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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 18:55:35 -0800 |
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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 18:55:35 -0800 |
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margin-bottom:.5em; - margin-right:1em; max-width:8em; } -span.attr { font-size:80%; font-family:sans-serif; } -span.pn { display:inline-block; width:4.7em; text-align:left; margin-left:0; text-indent:0; } -</style> -</head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Nat, The Trapper and Indian-Fighter, by Paul J. Prescott</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Nat, The Trapper and Indian-Fighter</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 41</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Paul J. Prescott</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: August 15, 2021 [eBook #66066]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: David Edwards, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Northern Illinois University Digital Library) </p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NAT, THE TRAPPER AND INDIAN-FIGHTER ***</div> -<div id="cover" class="img"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Nat, the Trapper and Indian-Fighter" width="657" height="1000" /> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<h1>NAT, THE TRAPPER -<br />AND INDIAN-FIGHTER.</h1> -<p class="tbcenter">BY PAUL J. PRESCOTT.</p> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="smaller">NEW YORK:</span> -<br />BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, -<br /><span class="smaller">98 WILLIAM STREET.</span></p> -</div> -<p class="center smaller">Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by -<br />FRANK STARR & CO., -<br />In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.</p> -<h2 id="toc" class="center">CONTENTS</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt><a href="#c1"><span class="cn">I. </span>The Ledge</a> 9</dt> -<dt><a href="#c2"><span class="cn">II. </span>A Wild Chase</a> 15</dt> -<dt><a href="#c3"><span class="cn">III. </span>The Friend in Need</a> 19</dt> -<dt><a href="#c4"><span class="cn">IV. </span>Lost Marion</a> 26</dt> -<dt><a href="#c5"><span class="cn">V. </span>The Hole in the Hill</a> 32</dt> -<dt><a href="#c6"><span class="cn">VI. </span>A Happy Meeting</a> 41</dt> -<dt><a href="#c7"><span class="cn">VII. </span>Holed</a> 49</dt> -<dt><a href="#c8"><span class="cn">VIII. </span>The Last Hope</a> 60</dt> -<dt><a href="#c9"><span class="cn">IX. </span>Ho-Ho! and Away!</a> 68</dt> -<dt><a href="#c10"><span class="cn">X. </span>An Unwelcome Visitor</a> 73</dt> -<dt><a href="#c11"><span class="cn">XI. </span>The Last of Earth</a> 78</dt> -<dt><a href="#c12"><span class="cn">XII. </span>Conclusion</a> 82</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div> -<h1 title="">NAT, THE TRAPPER.</h1> -<h2 id="c1"><span class="small">CHAPTER I.</span> -<br />THE LEDGE.</h2> -<p>Toward noon of a pleasant June day, 18—, a man, mounted -on a powerful animal of the mustang breed, was riding slowly -over the plain, some distance south-east of the great South -Pass.</p> -<p>His appearance was striking. In hight he was rather more -than six feet, his legs and arms being long and lank in the extreme. -His eyes were small, gray and piercing, and remarkably -deep-set; his face rather thin and cadaverous, the lower -part being covered with a scanty growth of grizzled beard. -Add to these not very handsome features a wide, though good-natured -looking mouth, and a nose of extraordinary length, -and he presented a startling, not to say ludicrous, appearance.</p> -<p>He was dressed in a suit of dun-colored deer-skin; and a -close-fitting coon-skin cap, from which dangled the tail, -covered his head. A long rifle, which evidently had seen considerable -service, rested across the saddle-bow, and a large -buckhorn-handled knife peeped from the folds of his hunting-shirt. -A powder-horn slung at one side, and a small tomahawk -stuck in his belt, completed his outfit.</p> -<p>Such was the appearance of Nathan Rogers, well known -throughout that region as Wild Nat, trapper and Indian-fighter.</p> -<p>As he rode slowly along, his eyes bent on the ground, a -superficial observer would have pronounced him in a deep -reverie; but, from the suspicious glance which he frequently -threw about him, it was evident that he was on the look-out -for any danger that might be near.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_10">10</div> -<p>“Gittin’ purty near noon,” he said, at last, speaking aloud, -as was his habit when alone—“purty near noon, an’ I sw’ar -I’m gittin’ e’ena’most famished. I shall be a mere skileton, -purty shortly, ef I don’t git a leetle something in the provender -line. Guess I’ll make fur thet clump of timber, an’ -brile a slice of antelope.”</p> -<p>He raised himself in his stirrups, and swept the plain with -swift, piercing glances.</p> -<p>“Nothin’ in sight,” he muttered, dropping to his seat. -“Nary an Injun tew be seen. Gittin’ mighty quiet, lately; -hain’t seen one of the pesky critters in a week. Git up, -Rocky.”</p> -<p>He turned his horse toward a small clump of trees about -half a mile distant, and rode rapidly forward. As he neared -the grove, his former appearance of carelessness gave place to -one of intense watchfulness. His keen gray eyes roved restlessly -along the edge of the timber; his movements were slow -and wary—every motion being instinct with a caution that -long habit had made second nature. When at the edge of the -grove, he stopped to listen, rising once more in his stirrups to -look about him.</p> -<p>“Nary livin’ thing here ’cept me an’ the squirrels,” he muttered, -after a protracted survey of the premises. “So, Rocky,” -with a pat on his horse’s head, “we’ll stop, an’ have a bite.”</p> -<p>He slipped to the ground, unfastened the saddle-girth, and -left the horse to graze, and then, placing his rifle close at -hand, built a fire beside a fallen trunk, and proceeded to cut -some slices of meat, a large piece of which hung at his saddle-bow, -and place them to broil on the coals.</p> -<p>He had nearly finished his repast, when he suddenly sprung -to his feet, grasped his rifle, and turned, in an attitude of defense, -toward the south. His quick ear had caught the sound -of danger.</p> -<p>He stood for some minutes, rifle in hand, peering into the -green, tangled woods before him, and listening intently. No -sound met his ear save the gentle rustling of the leaves overhead, -and the occasional note of some familiar wood-bird.</p> -<p>“I don’t like this silence,” he muttered, glancing uneasily -around. “I’m sure that I heard suthin’, an’ silence in sich -cases, ain’t a good symptom.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div> -<p>He shifted his rifle to the other hand, and still keeping his -eyes fixed on the thicket before him, began moving that way, -making a wide <i>detour</i>, however, to accomplish his purpose.</p> -<p>As he was creeping noiselessly forward, a slight sound met -his ear, and turning his head, he saw, above the top of a huge -log, the hideously-painted face of an Indian. Springing to -his feet, he was about to make a more decided movement, -when a horrible chorus of yells filled the air, and instantly, -from every side, save directly behind him, sprung a score of -savages.</p> -<p>“Gallinippers!” ejaculated the trapper, “here’s a scrimmage -on hand.”</p> -<p>He instantly raised his rifle and discharged both barrels -into the painted host that was rapidly rushing upon him, and -then turning, darted away, intending to reach his steed and -make his escape. On reaching the spot, closely followed by -his pursuers, he discovered that his horse was in the hands of -a number of Indians, who had reached the place under cover -of the timber.</p> -<p>He was now completely surrounded by the savages, who -were pressing forward, eager to capture him. To the right, -left and rear were the woods; before him the plain; on every -side, the Indians. With a comprehensive glance at the case, -the trapper came to a halt, turned toward the nearest of his -foes, and swinging his rifle over his head, with a yell that -would have shamed a Comanche warrior’s best effort, dashed -forward. With one blow he felled a gigantic brave who -stood before him; another, and a second went down; and -then, as the panic-stricken rank broke, leaving a slight opening, -he sprung through and darted away to the right, closely -followed by the Indians, yelling at the top of their voices.</p> -<p>On he ran, over fallen trees and under branches, and close -behind came his pursuers, straining every nerve to overtake -him. So close were they, that the fleeing hunter had no opportunity -to look for danger ahead, and before he was aware -he ran directly into a small band of the enemy, who were evidently -lying in ambush.</p> -<p>With shouts of triumph, the Indians gathered round, taunting -him with his coming fate.</p> -<p>“The Long-knife shall die,” shouted a pompous chief, with -<span class="pb" id="Page_12">12</span> -a towering head-dress of eagle-feathers. “He will kill no -more braves.”</p> -<p>“That remains tew be seen, ole smut-face,” retorted the -trapper. “I ’spect ter hev the pleasure of scalpin’ ye yit.”</p> -<p>The Indian glared at him with a look of ferocity and rage, -which was intensified by the cool, mocking smile with which -the prisoner regarded him.</p> -<p>“What yer goin’ ter do with me?” asked Wild Nat, as he -saw them preparing to move.</p> -<p>“Long-knife will see. He shall die,” was the reply.</p> -<p>He was placed on a horse, his hands tied behind him, his -feet lashed together, and surrounded by his captors on every -side. The Indians then began moving away to the west.</p> -<p>“Blast it all,” growled the trapper to himself, “this is a -purty fix tew be in. I’d like tew know how in thunder they -got so clus ’ithout my seein’ ’em. I know they wasn’t—hello! -that explains it!”</p> -<p>The incensed trapper gazed about in bewilderment. Directly -on the left was a narrow, swale-like hollow, which was -completely concealed by the tall grass of the plain, until directly -upon it.</p> -<p>“Thar’s whar ye skulked, is it, ole leather-chops?” he exclaimed. -“Thought ye’s smart, didn’t yer? I’d like tew -snatch ye all bald-headed.</p> -<p>“How in thunder did it happen that I never see that place -afore?” he continued to himself. “I sw’ar, I thought I’d -tramped over every inch of plain about here. No use in -growlin’; but if I ever git away, I’ll bet they’ll wish they’d -died when they war young!”</p> -<p>The Indians traveled steadily forward, and about the middle -of the afternoon, reached a high cliff in the Rocky Mountains, -at the base of which they halted, and began making -some preparations that puzzled Wild Nat considerably. He -was not long kept in doubt as to their intentions.</p> -<p>The cliff shot up perpendicularly, a distance of about ninety -feet, facing the east. The whole face was smooth, without -niche or seam, with the exception of one spot. This was a -narrow, shelf-like ledge, about thirty feet from the top, some -three yards in length and about one in breadth.</p> -<p>As the trapper was looking at the precipice, with which -<span class="pb" id="Page_13">13</span> -he was quite familiar, the pompous chief before mentioned -accosted him:</p> -<p>“Does Long-knife behold? The ledge shall be his grave! -He will thirst, but there will be no water; he will hunger, -but there will be no food. Below him, the birds will fly, the -antelope will jump, and the buffalo graze, but it will be nothing -to him. Long-knife will not be able to reach them!”</p> -<p>Wild Nat looked at him, at first puzzled; but, as the full -meaning of his words broke upon him, his heart sunk. It -would, indeed, be a fearful death!</p> -<p>But not to his captors would he show fear.</p> -<p>“Kalkerlate tew set me up thar, eh?” he inquired, in so -cool a tone that the chief stared. “Be a splendid place to -take a look at the country. Guess I’ll make a map on’t while -I’m thar.”</p> -<p>“Long-knife sneers,” said the Indian. “He will soon see -that the Wolf speaks truth.”</p> -<p>“How ye goin’ tew h’ist me up thar?” queried Wild Nat.</p> -<p>“The Wolf has means,” replied the chief, walking away.</p> -<p>The chiefs now gathered together and held a short council. -At its close, the trapper was taken from his horse and placed -upon the ground, where he was tied in such a manner as enabled -him to stand upright. He was then taken by several -Indians and half-dragged, half-driven, up the mountain to the -brow of the cliff.</p> -<p>Here, amidst the uproarious and triumphant shouts of his -captors, a stout rope of buffalo-hide was produced, and preparations -made for lowering the prisoner to the ledge.</p> -<p>Wild Nat looked on with grim stoicism. Well he knew -the uselessness of expecting mercy at their hands. For years -he had been a scourge among them, and though several times -a prisoner, he had always managed to make his escape. His -hatred of the Indians was intense; his vengeance unfailing.</p> -<p>After an uproarious tumult, the Wolf stepped forward and -tied the buffalo-skin rope about his own waist. His companions -then lowered him to the ledge, where he unfastened -the rope, and it was drawn up. The trapper was then taken -up, his bonds tightened and the rope tied about him, and, -amid a hideous yelling, was swung off the cliff.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div> -<p>He landed at last on the ledge where the Wolf stood waiting. -He detached the rope, and once more it was drawn up. -The trapper’s weapons were next lowered, and the Wolf -placed the tomahawk and knife in the prisoner’s belt and -leaned the rifle against the rock, regarding him, meanwhile, -with a mocking smile.</p> -<p>“Long-knife has his weapons,” he said; “he can shoot the -antelope beneath him.”</p> -<p>“Blast ye, who cares?” retorted Wild Nat. “Think yer’ll -tanterlize me, I s’pose, leavin’ ’em here; but yer won’t.”</p> -<p>“The Long-knife has killed his last warrior,” continued -the Indian, exultingly. “He will take no more scalps. -Long-knife is conquered; his carcass will be food for the vultures, -and his bones will bleach in the suns of a hundred -years.”</p> -<p>He fastened the rope about his waist, the trapper looking -on in silence, and mentally cursing his fate.</p> -<p>“Ef I war only loose, I’d topple ye over,” he muttered. -“I’ll bet thar ain’t a bird livin’ thet would dirty his bill with -ye, ef ye war dead forty times.”</p> -<p>The Wolf gave the signal, and was slowly drawn up. The -Indians then went to the plain below, where, in full view of -the trapper, they executed their war-dance, and exulted savagely -for the space of an hour, at the end of which time they -mounted their horses and rode away.</p> -<p>The trapper was alone.</p> -<p>He watched them as they gradually disappeared in the -gathering gloom, and then looked at his narrow prison. -What a place to meet death in! What a fearful death, to -die of starvation and thirst! But the trapper had no weak -spot in his nature and was not likely to give way to despair.</p> -<p>As soon as the Indians were fairly gone, he began trying to -free himself. In vain he struggled and writhed; the ligatures -were too securely fastened. Pausing, at last, from sheer -exhaustion, he looked about for means to accomplish his purpose. -His hands were tied behind him, so that the knife in -his belt was wholly useless. As he speculated, his eye chanced -to rest on a single slender edge of rock, projecting from the -wall. To this he speedily wriggled himself, and though -<span class="pb" id="Page_15">15</span> -from the extreme narrowness of the ledge, he was in danger -of falling, he placed his hands against it and drew the bonds -back and forth across it, until they snapped asunder. It required -a great length of time to accomplish this, but Wild -Nat had no lack of patience, and he persevered. His hands -once free, it was only a moment’s work to cut the other -bonds, and in a short time he stood upon the ledge free, at -least to move as far as its narrow limits would permit.</p> -<p>But that availed him little, comparatively. In that vast -wilderness there was scarcely a possibility of human aid, and -he was powerless to help himself.</p> -<p>The narrow ledge was likely to prove his sepulcher.</p> -<h2 id="c2"><span class="small">CHAPTER II.</span> -<br />A WILD CHASE.</h2> -<p>The sun was just visible above the burnished peaks of the -Rocky Mountains, and its slanting rays rested like a halo on -the tops of the trees forming a pleasant grove near the Sweetwater -river.</p> -<p>The river, meandering along between its verdant banks, -shone and sparkled like burnished silver, and rippled and -chattered to itself, as if it felt the exhilarating influence of -the quiet breeze and pleasant scene.</p> -<p>In the edge of the grove above mentioned, an emigrant-train -was preparing its night-camp. The scene was a merry -and exciting one. Children ran laughing and shouting in every -direction; groups of women chatted in cheerful voices -around fires, or strolled in couples under the trees; men, in -knots of two or three, laughed, jested, and told “yarns;” -here a boy was training a dog, and yonder a woman perched -on a wagon-tongue, with arms akimbo, and laughing, eager -face, surrounded with young girls, whose sudden bursts of -shrill mirth woke the slumbering echoes of the grove and river.</p> -<p>A little apart from the busy scene stood two men, whom we -wish more particularly to introduce to the reader.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div> -<p>The first was an intelligent, manly-looking fellow of about -twenty-three years. His cap covered a profusion of brown -hair, brushed carelessly back from his forehead, a slight mustache -covered his upper lip, and half-shaded his firm, frank -mouth.</p> -<p>For the past few minutes, he had been intently watching a -small moving speck away to the west, and now, turning his -fine gray eyes upon his companion, he called his attention to -the same.</p> -<p>The man turned about, and drawing his form to its full -hight, took a sweeping view of the valley. As he stood thus, -he presented a splendid picture of a free trapper.</p> -<p>Medium-sized, with square shoulders, straight as a young -pine and as lithe, he was evidently a full match for any one. -His fringed frock of untanned buck-skin was belted tightly -about his waist, in which stuck a buckhorn-handled knife, -and a small, handsomely-finished tomahawk. A powder-horn -and a six-shooter hung at his side, and he carried a long rifle, -that had evidently seen considerable service.</p> -<p>After a moment’s keen scrutiny, he turned to the young -man, with a broad grin illuminating his rough features, and -said:</p> -<p>“That’s a small herd of buffler. They’re comin’ this way, -an’ we’ll have a few shots at ’em. Not much time tew be -lost, either. Let’s tew horse!”</p> -<p>The word spread through camp like wildfire, and long before -the stampeded herd came near, the men were mounted -and ready for them. Hearing the unusual noise throughout -the camp, a couple of girls came hurriedly from the edge of -the grove, where they had been strolling around, with faces -full of alarm and apprehension.</p> -<p>The tallest one, a pretty, slender maid, with dark eyes and -floating black curls, whose name was Marion Verne, ran up -to the old trapper before mentioned, and exclaimed:</p> -<p>“What is the matter, Vic? Have the Indians come?”</p> -<p>“Nary an Injun,” replied Vic Potter, springing into his -saddle; “only a herd of buffler. We’re goin’ to have a few -shots at ’em. Ready, Kent?”</p> -<p>The young man replied in the affirmative, and as the -herd was yet some distance off, he walked his horse to -<span class="pb" id="Page_17">17</span> -the trapper’s side, and stood talking with him and Marion -Verne.</p> -<p>The herd came on grandly. It numbered only three or -four hundred, and was passing to the right of the camp, at -the distance of half a mile. As the first of the herd came -opposite, Vic Potter gave the signal, and the half-dozen -mounted men dashed toward them.</p> -<p>There was no evidence in the herd that they were seen or -noticed until they were very close, when some agitation in -the outskirts, and running to and fro, showed they were discovered.</p> -<p>The hunters rode steadily abreast until within about twenty-five -yards of the herd, when they separated and broke into it.</p> -<p>Vic Potter selected a large cow, and brought her down at -the first shot. Leaving her, he dashed after an old bull, -which showed symptoms of fight, and charged his horse several -times. He succeeded, after considerable trouble and several -shots, in bringing him to the ground.</p> -<p>Meantime the herd had passed on, leaving an immense -cloud of dust, and the hunters were preparing to cut up such -of the game as they desired. Vic Potter tied his horse to the -horns of the cow he had secured, and then looked around for -his companions. All were near except Wayne Kent. The -trapper raised himself and gazed earnestly down the valley.</p> -<p>Far away toward the south-east he descried a small, moving -object. One whose eyes were less keen would never have -seen it. The trapper shook his head at the sight.</p> -<p>“The boy’s chasin’ a buffler, an’ he’s lettin’ his excitement -run away with his reason. Don’t he see thet the sun is down, -an’ he’s plump tew miles from camp, an’ goin’ like mad? -He’s a new hand on the plains, an’ don’t know nothin’ about -Injun ways. Like as not they’ll gobble him up.”</p> -<p>Muttering away, the hunter continued to watch the fast-receding -figure, until distance, and the fast-gathering dusk, hid -it from view.</p> -<p>Then, after securing the choicest portions of the cow, he -returned with the others to the camp.</p> -<p>“Where is Kent?” was the question that greeted them on -their arrival.</p> -<p>“He’s off chasin’ a buffler, an’ I’m thinkin’ he’ll git inter -<span class="pb" id="Page_18">18</span> -trouble, tew,” replied Potter, throwing down his load. It -was now dark, and considerable anxiety was felt for the young -man. Among the ones most interested was Marion Verne, -though she said nothing, and was, to all appearances, indifferent -as to whether Wayne Kent was there or in Nova Zembla. -Such is the hypocrisy of the fair!</p> -<p>Meanwhile, the dashing young hunter <i>was</i> getting into -trouble.</p> -<p>He had singled out a huge bull, on entering the chase, and -fired several shots at him. But the animal seemed possessed -of a charmed life, and led him a wild chase.</p> -<p>Excited by the sport, and eager to bring the noble animal -down, he followed him until the rapidly-gathering darkness -warned him to stop. Relinquishing his pursuit with reluctance, -he pulled up his horse, and stopped to look about -him.</p> -<p>To his utter dismay, he found himself completely out of -sight of camp, and, as the sun was down, he was without a -guide. He did not stop to consider long, as it was already so -dark that objects were distinguishable only at a short distance, -but headed his horse in the direction he supposed the camp -to be, and pushed forward rapidly.</p> -<p>The night proved to be a dark, cloudy one, so that he was -without the stars for a guide, and utterly at a loss. He wandered -about, searching vainly for the welcome light of the -emigrant camp-fires, until nearly morning, when, wearied with -the unavailing search, he threw himself on the ground, and -securing his horse to a tree near, soon fell asleep.</p> -<p>He had slept about an hour, he judged, when he was -awakened suddenly, in that strange way that probably every -one has experienced at some period during his life, namely, -that of feeling as if there was some one present, though he -heard nothing. Listening attentively, he soon heard the low -whinny of his horse. Raising himself to a sitting posture, he -listened again, and soon it was repeated, this time lower than -before. Rising silently, he went to the horse, and putting his -hand on his neck, whispered:</p> -<p>“What is the matter, Bayard? Danger?”</p> -<p>The animal replied with an inaudible whinny, then erected -his head, and appeared to be listening intently. Following -<span class="pb" id="Page_19">19</span> -his example, the young man soon heard the sound of voices -at some little distance off and, after assuring himself that -they were coming no closer, he whispered to the horse to “be -quiet,” and glided away in the darkness.</p> -<p>Proceeding noiselessly, and following the sound, he soon -saw a sight that made him start. Gathered around a smoldering -fire, that flickered faintly on their painted faces, were -some twenty-five Indians!</p> -<p>Our hero only waited a moment to count their number, -and then left the vicinity as noiselessly as he had come. Proceeding -at once to his horse, he untied and mounted him, and -was soon once more on the move. He did not know which -way he was going, only that it was away from his unpleasant -neighbors, who, fortunately for him, had not suspected his -presence.</p> -<h2 id="c3"><span class="small">CHAPTER III.</span> -<br />THE FRIEND IN NEED.</h2> -<p>“Blarst thar durned painted hides! I wish they’d shot -an’ skulped me, ’fore they left me in sich a trap as this. -Been here tew nights an’ one day, an’ am like tew be here, -an’ make this my last restin’-place. I war a fool for ever -fallin’ inter ther clutches.”</p> -<p>It was now the morning of the second day of Wild Nat’s -enforced rest, and he paced restlessly up and down the narrow -limits of his prison, or paused to gaze over the valley below. -Frequently a bird skimmed beneath him, or wheeled -close to his niche, and then away, as free as the air.</p> -<p>“Ef I only had you,” he muttered, watching one of those -fleet-winged creatures skimming airily beneath him, “I believe -I could eat you, feathers an’ all! Blarst the reds, anyhow! -S’pose they thought ef they left me my weepons, it -would aggravate me, seein’ I couldn’t use ’em. Wish they’d -left me some ammunition. It wouldn’t done me any good, -though; if I shot forty birds, I couldn’t git ’em.”</p> -<p>The pleasant June day wore on. Below in the valley the -<span class="pb" id="Page_20">20</span> -birds flitted from tree to tree, and squirrels ran chattering over -the fallen trunks, or chased each other up and down the cottonwoods, -and once a herd of buffalo went tearing down the -further corner of the valley, and disappeared behind the -woods beyond.</p> -<p>Still scorched by the sun, and pierced with the pangs of -hunger, the trapper paced up and down his narrow beat, occasionally -pausing and talking to himself. So the time passed -until noon, and the tired hunter gave a glance at the sun, -muttering:</p> -<p>“Noon again. I’ve a notion to jump down. But I might -as well die here, as tew die jumpin’ off, an’ die I shall, for all -I see. Cuss ’em, anyhow! If ever I git out, I’ll make ’em -wish they’d killed me on the spot. But thar’s no use talkin’ -’bout gittin’ out. ’Way off in this wilderness, folks ain’t comin’ -’long every day, an’ I’m dished, that’s sartain. I never -s’posed I war goin’ tew die like a rat in a trap, an’—waugh!”</p> -<p>The trapper paused abruptly, and strained his eyes to see -some object afar in the distance, that had attracted his attention. -After watching it a moment, he muttered:</p> -<p>“It’s <i>somebody</i>, thet’s a fact. Like as not, an Indian.”</p> -<p>He continued watching him eagerly for a few minutes longer, -and then ejaculated:</p> -<p>“Beavers! it’s a white man! Whoop! If he war only -comin’ this way, or rather, if he war only comin’ here, for -he’s got his nose p’inted in this direction; but it’s noways -likely he’ll come near enough for me tew holler tew him. If -my gun war only loaded!”</p> -<p>He stood in silence, watching the approaching object—which -was now plainly visible as a man on horseback—for -some time, and then a shadow crossed his face, as the rider -turned his horse in an opposite direction.</p> -<p>“Hel-lo-o!” shouted the trapper. “’Tain’t likely he can -hear so fur off, but I’ll try anyhow. Hel-lo-o!”</p> -<p>The equestrian passed on without seeming to hear.</p> -<p>“Whoop!” screamed Wild Nat, making every sound the -human voice can compass. “Who-o-o-p! Hel-l-l-oo!”</p> -<p>The stranger seemed to hear, for he stopped to listen.</p> -<p>“Hello! <i>Whoop!</i> <span class="sc">Hel-l-loo!</span>” yelled the trapper, growing -black in the face with his efforts. “He hears!” he ejaculated, -<span class="pb" id="Page_21">21</span> -joyfully, as the stranger turned toward him. “He -hears, an’ I’m out of this trap!”</p> -<p>The stranger approached to within a few hundred yards -of the cliff, and then, not being able to see any one, shouted.</p> -<p>“Up here,” answered Wild Nat. “I’m dished, an’ would -like yer distinguished consideration on the best way tew git out.”</p> -<p>The stranger looked up, and after taking a somewhat protracted -view of the situation, called out:</p> -<p>“Well, you <i>are</i> in a not over-pleasant place. Been there -long?”</p> -<p>“Ever since the night before last,” returned Nathan. “Can -ye lend a feller a helpin’ paw?”</p> -<p>“Certainly,” replied the other, heartily; “but how is it to -be done? Some sort of a rope is needed.”</p> -<p>“Sartin,” responded the trapper. “Must have one. Don’t -scarcely think ye can step up here, nor I can’t step down. -Ye can git a rope an’ let it down from above.”</p> -<p>“But the rope?” said the other. “If I had an ax I could -peel some bark, and make one of that; but—”</p> -<p>“I’ve got one,” interrupted the trapper. “Thar it comes!”</p> -<p>The stranger took the hatchet, and tethering his horse, fell -to work with a will. It was a long task, however, and the -sun was not far above the mountain-tops when the rope was -of sufficient length and stoutness for the purpose required.</p> -<p>“It’s done,” called out the laborer. “Half an hour longer, -and you will be a free man. It will be no small task to -climb the mountain.”</p> -<p>He took a survey of the cliff, and then, going several hundred -yards to the right, began the ascent. It was a tortuous -winding, rocky way, and it was some time before he arrived, -panting and somewhat exhausted, at the top.</p> -<p>Securing the rope firmly, he let it down.</p> -<p>“Is it long enough?” he called down.</p> -<p>“Plenty. Touches the ground. Hurrah!”</p> -<p>The trapper, lashing his rifle to his back, grasped the rope, -and steadying himself, slid slowly to the ground, where he -arrived considerably sooner than the stranger, and stood rubbing -his nearly blistered hands when his deliverer appeared.</p> -<p>“All right!” he exclaimed, with a nod, and giving his suspenders -a hitch, took a stride forward and extended his hand.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div> -<p>“Give us yer paw. Ye’ve got me out of a rather nice sitoation, -an’ I’m corrasponden’ly grateful. What mought yer -name be, stranger?”</p> -<p>“Wayne Kent,” responded the other; “what’s yours?”</p> -<p>“Nathan Rogers, more commonly called Wild Nat,” replied -the trapper; “maybe ye’ve heard of me.”</p> -<p>“I have,” replied Kent, “and am glad to be able to offer -you assistance. You look tired.”</p> -<p>“Tired! Stranger, I don’t know the meanin’ of the word -when I can git any thing tew eat; but, jist at present, I hain’t -hed a toothful in three days. I’m holler clean tew my boot-heels. -Got any thing eatable?”</p> -<p>“Yes; I have a piece of buffalo-hump. I shot one this -morning,” replied Wayne, disengaging the meat from his -saddle, and preparing to cook it.</p> -<p>A fire was soon kindled beside a log, and the meat stewing -and sputtering on a stick beside it. The hungry trapper -watched it eagerly, and when done, lost no time in disposing -of a considerable piece of it.</p> -<p>“Thet was good,” he ejaculated, wiping his mouth; “an’ -now, as it’s ’bout sundown, I guess we’d better be lookin’ -’round for night-quarters, ’specially as we’re in pretty open -ground, an’ thar may be red-skins about. That grove, half a -mile off, is a good place. What ye say?”</p> -<p>“I think we had better go there,” responded Wayne. “I -wish I could find my friends.”</p> -<p>“Yer friends?” said the trapper, inquiringly. “I hain’t -asked ye how ye come tew be pokin’ round here alone. How -was it? Ye ain’t trappin’ alone?”</p> -<p>Kent then went on to relate his adventures, and when he -was done, the trapper remarked:</p> -<p>“Wal, they are not fur from the South Pass, by this time. -As I hain’t got nothin’ tew dew, an’ no hoss, I don’t mind goin’ -with ye to ’em. We can stay here till airly to-morrow -mornin’, an’ then we can push on an’ overtake ’em. Can’t -really say that I can ’preciate this trampin’ ’round on foot. -I’ll pay them Injuns for takin’ my horse an’ puttin’ me in thet -trap. They’ll wish they’d died when they war young.”</p> -<p>Kent laughed at the trapper’s earnest manner and emphatic -nods, and said:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_23">23</div> -<p>“I don’t blame you for feeling rather hard toward them -about it. It would have been a fearful death, to die of starvation -and thirst.”</p> -<p>The trapper’s face contracted.</p> -<p>“I’ve had more cause than thet tew feel hard toward the -red brutes. I owe ’em a debt, an’ for ten years I’ve been -makin’ payments on it, an’ hain’t <i>begun</i> yit.”</p> -<p>The grove was soon reached, and selecting a suitable spot, -the men prepared to encamp for the night.</p> -<p>About nine o’clock a storm came up; the thunder rolled -and the lightnings flashed vividly. Torrents of rain came -down, and the wind rocked the trees fearfully, sometimes -breaking off a limb, and hurling it down in close proximity to -our friends, who experienced some discomfort and inconvenience -from the raging elements, being without blankets, and -obliged to endure the soaking rain.</p> -<p>The storm was of short duration. In an hour the rain had -ceased, and a few faint stars struggled through the broken -clouds, looking, to the young man’s sleepy vision, as the wind-stirred -boughs alternately hid and revealed them, like so many -erratic fire-flies, that danced and gamboled among the swaying -leaves; but even these were finally lost in slumber.</p> -<p>The morning broke clear and shining. Kent was awakened -by a rough shake, and the voice of Nat telling him, “it war -time they war trampin’.”</p> -<p>Starting up, he saw that it was full daybreak. Rubbing -his eyes, he arose and obeyed the trapper’s advice to have “a -toothful of buffler-hump,” which he already had cooked.</p> -<p>After eating their breakfast, they started toward the South -Pass, Wild Nat saying that the emigrants would probably be -there, or near there, so they could find them by night.</p> -<p>“If you only had a horse, we could travel much faster,” -said Kent, as he mounted. “As it is, we will have to change -occasionally.”</p> -<p>“I kin keep up with ye, as fast as ye’ll care tew go,” replied -the trapper, striding away.</p> -<p>And he did. His immense strides were laughably grotesque, -and his appearance, as his tall, lank figure glided over the -ground, was ludicrous in the extreme.</p> -<p>Changing occasionally to take turns in walking, and stopping -<span class="pb" id="Page_24">24</span> -only long enough for dinner, sundown found them in a -small wood near the emigrant-trail, and not far east of the -pass.</p> -<p>“If they have gone ahead of us, it will be unfortunate,” -said Kent, as they wound along through the woods.</p> -<p>“They hain’t,” said Wild Nat, clambering over a huge log, -rather than go round it, as Kent was forced to do, being -mounted. “From whar ye said they war when ye left ’em, -they hain’t more’n got here. Emigrants must allers camp in -these woods, ef they git along here anywhar near night, -’cause, ye see, they couldn’t git through the pass by night. -No danger but what we’ll find ’em.”</p> -<p>“I dare say they will be surprised to see me, as no doubt -they have given me up for lost,” said Kent, his thoughts reverting -to Marion Verne, and wondering if she would sorrow -if she should never see him again.</p> -<p>“Don’t doubt it,” said Nat. “I rather think— Hark, -what’s that?”</p> -<p>Both men stopped and listened attentively. The sun was -down, and the forest beginning to grow shadowy. At first -they could hear nothing, and then suddenly a slight crashing -of brush at a little distance drew their attention. For a moment -all was still; then they heard the noise again, this time -accompanied with the sound of footsteps, which rapidly approached, -and, in another minute, an unmistakable son of -Ham, of the darkest type, came in view, tearing along at a -two-forty pace, oblivious of them and every thing else, apparently, -and muttering away to his familiar spirit, in the very -extremity of fear.</p> -<p>“Hello, thar!” shouted Nat, “whar are ye precipitatin’ yerself -tew, at thet rate?”</p> -<p>The darkey never looked up, only muttered something unintelligible, -and, if possible, increased his gait.</p> -<p>“Hold on, I say,” cried the trapper; “what on airth are -ye locomotin’ so fast for? Jest stop a bit!”</p> -<p>Seeing that the negro made no motion toward halting, the -trapper, with a bound, cleared the distance between them, and -grasped him by the collar.</p> -<p>“What’s the matter? What ye runnin’ so for? Ye needn’t -be so all-fired scart; I ain’t an Injun, but a full blooded -<span class="pb" id="Page_25">25</span> -white man, an’ a hansum one, at thet. Jist down brakes, an’ -ease up a leetle on yer speed!”</p> -<p>“Hol—hold on, sah—I mean, let go!” roared the darkey. -“Dar’s more’n ten hundred Injuns back yender, an’ dis chile -hain’t any notion to lose his sculp. It’s de solemn fac’, sah. -O-o-h! dar’s one ob de ’fernal cussess now, an’ dis chile am a -goner!” he cried, catching sight of Kent, who was laughing -till he could hardly keep his saddle.</p> -<p>“Nonsense, Scip,” said the young man, as soon as he could -speak, “don’t you know me?”</p> -<p>The darkey straightened himself up, and rolling his eyes toward -Kent with a laughable look of relief, in which terror -yet had a prominent part, ejaculated:</p> -<p>“Am it reely you, sah? Laws, I thort you was an Injun. -Anyhow, sah, dar is lots of ’em behind. Mass’r Vic is dar, -an’ I hain’t no sort o’ doubt but what he’s dewoured long ’go. -Hi, dar dey comes!” and the frightened African made a -frantic plunge, as the sound of footsteps was heard approaching.</p> -<p>The trapper held him fast, and in an instant Vic Potter -strode into the opening. Seeing Kent, he stopped at once, -his face expressive of his glad surprise.</p> -<p>“Hello, my boy! I’m mighty glad tew see ye. I war -’beout sartin that the Injuns had done for ye. If yer comrad’ -thar— Varmints! Is that yer, Nathan Rogers?”</p> -<p>“Wal, I reckon it <i>are</i>,” replied Nat, loosening his hold -of the darkey, and advancing with a broad grin; “an’ ef that -ain’t Vic Potter, then skin me for a grizzly! How are ye?”</p> -<p>“Hearty,” replied Vic, grasping the extended hand; “did -ye ever know Vic tew be any thing else? How do ye come -on, arter three years?”</p> -<p>“Smilin’ as a May mornin’,” replied Nat. “What was -it scart this fellar out of his seven senses? Injuns?”</p> -<p>“Wal,” said Vic, “I’ve a notion thar’s some ’bout, an’ has -been for sev’ral days; but we didn’t see any thing only some -tracks; an’ that, on top of a raisin’-ha’r story I’ve jist been -gittin’ off, started him. Varmints! but he measured sile without -wastin’ time!”</p> -<p>“I should rather think he did,” said Wild Nat, laughing. -“Whar’s yer camp?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_26">26</div> -<p>“’Bout forty rods off,” was the reply; “let’s turn toes that -way. Jist ’tween us, now, I shouldn’t wonder if we had a -scrimmage ’fore mornin’. <i>They’re round.</i>”</p> -<p>“Seen any, Vic?” asked Kent.</p> -<p>“No hain’t <i>seen</i> any, but I’ve seen signs, which are all the -same. I told the train they’d better be cautious, an’ not wander -off fur, an’ keep track of the young ones. They are not -fur off, an’ I know it.”</p> -<p>“I shouldn’t wonder ef it war the same ones thet sarved -me thet ongentlemanly trick,” said Nat. “Ef it are, an’ I git -at ’em, they’ll wish they’d not made my acquaintance.”</p> -<p>“Hark!”</p> -<p>It was the wild, piercing scream of a female, for help, and -sounded in the direction of the emigrant-camp.</p> -<p>Twice it was repeated—each time more wild and despairing -than before; then all was still.</p> -<h2 id="c4"><span class="small">CHAPTER IV.</span> -<br />LOST MARION.</h2> -<p>“Injuns thar! Come on, boys!” cried Nat, as he dashed -away at the top of his speed.</p> -<p>Vic and Kent followed, leaving the quaking Scip behind, -and soon arrived at the edge of the wood, in view of the -emigrants, who were running hither and thither in the wildest -confusion and alarm.</p> -<p>A group of girls stood near, crying hysterically.</p> -<p>“What’s up?” cried Wild Nat, bounding into the center of -the confused camp.</p> -<p>“The Indians have carried off Marion!” sobbed one of the -girls, while the others huddled together with frightened faces, -and fearful glances toward the darkening woods.</p> -<p>“How?” “When?” “Where?” were questions asked, -simultaneously, by the excited men, who at length drew from -the frightened girls the following facts:</p> -<p>Marion Verne, in company with half a dozen other girls, -had been strolling about in the grove, and tempted by the -<span class="pb" id="Page_27">27</span> -beauty of the scene, and the lovely and varied flowers that -constantly met their view, they had wandered further into -the woods than they had intended, or thought they were doing.</p> -<p>Noticing at last, that it was growing dusk, they turned to -retrace their steps, when a small band of savages sprung from -the bushes, and seizing Marion, who was a little in the rear -of the others, disappeared in the woods before the poor girl -could hardly comprehend her fearful situation. The other -girls ran crying in the direction of camp, and had only just -arrived there when the men came up.</p> -<p>It was now deep darkness, and for a moment every one -stood irresolute, trying to think what to do. Wild Nat was -the first to speak:</p> -<p>“It never’ll dew tew stan’ here an’ think about it,” were -his first words. “While we’re thinkin’, the reds are actin’, -an’ ef we stan’ here idle long, we’ll run a good chance to be -in the gal’s place.”</p> -<p>“Fact,” said Vic Potter; “tharfore, fix yerselves tew welcome -the painted devils.”</p> -<p>For a while the emigrants worked with a will, and half an -hour later every thing was in the best possible shape for defense.</p> -<p>Guards were stationed every few rods, on every side, and -Wild Nat took his stand on the side from which the most -danger was apprehended.</p> -<p>Vic occupied his time in standing sentinel, and occasionally -taking the rounds of the camp, to see that every man was -in his place, and every thing as it should be. But the long -night wore wearily away, and the morning dawn came, showing -the wide prairie and woodland, from which the light was -fast dispelling the shadows, but no signs of the dreaded enemy.</p> -<p>“It’s about as well for <i>them</i> thet they didn’t tackle us,” said -Wild Nat.</p> -<p>“It’s about as well for <i>us</i>, I guess,” said one of the men. -“We are only sixty, all told, and there is no doubt hundreds -of the Indians.”</p> -<p>“Wal,” said Nat, shutting one eye and aiming a tobacco-spit -directly at the tip of a small dog’s tail, “it’s jist as well -<span class="pb" id="Page_28">28</span> -for <i>them</i>, anyhow, for thar’d be ’bout two dozen less ‘live an’ -kickin’, at this present speakin’, on <i>my</i> account merely.”</p> -<p>“Do you think you could dispatch that number in <i>one</i> -fight?” asked Kent, smiling at the trapper’s remark.</p> -<p>“I’m equal to an indefinite an’ unkalkulated number of -’em,” responded the trapper, “an’ answer in the place of meat-vittals -an’ drink to ’em. I kalkerlate,” he added, squinting -along his rifle-barrel, and waiting to draw a fine sight on a -large eagle overhead—“I kalkerlate thet I save about five -hundred bufflers every year by removin’ thar nateral enemies, -which ain’t qualified, so to say, to live on any thing but buffler, -an’ what they git for the hides. Thet eagle’s tew fur -off tew shoot, ain’t he?”</p> -<p>“Laws!” said Scip, who stood near, listening in wonder -to the trapper’s words, “did ye ever kill enny Injuns, sah?”</p> -<p>The trapper turned, and drawing his tall, ungainly form to -its full hight, gazed on the negro in dead silence for a few -moments, evidently too much astonished to speak, at this exhibition -of ignorance and apparent incredulity.</p> -<p>“Africa,” he said, solemnly, after an impressive pause, “did -ye ever eat any pertaters?”</p> -<p>“Reckon I hab,” said Scip, with a broad grin, “’bout forty -bushels a year.”</p> -<p>“Wal,” continued the trapper, planting his rifle down solemnly, -and gesticulating with his left hand, “I reckon thet -for every pertater ye eat, I hev knocked down, tipped over, -dragged out, sculped, mewtilated, an’ otherwise disfiggered, one -dozen Injuns. An’ I’m good for as menny more.”</p> -<p>During this address, Scip stood listening, with the grin on -his black face gradually expanding, until, as Vic told him, -his “mouth war in danger of runnin’ inter his ears,” and -when the trapper finished speaking, he stood silent for a moment, -evidently thinking how to express an opinion without -giving offense. At last he broke out with:</p> -<p>“Sah, am dar any Injuns left?”</p> -<p>“Plenty of them,” responded Nathan; “they’re thicker’n -skeeters in August.”</p> -<p>“Wal, den,” said Scip, after a moment, “I don’t b’lieve ye -ever killed a dozen for every tater I eat. What did ye do -wid dar sculps, jest tell dis chile dat, will ye?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div> -<p>Vic came up before the trapper had time to reply, and -called him away to participate in a council, the result of -which was that the train lay by, while twelve of the best men, -led by Wild Nat, were to take the trail. After considerable -trouble this was found, and traced for about thirty rods, -where the captors had evidently joined a party of nearly or -quite two hundred. From there the trail was so cleverly -covered that when, after going a short distance, it struck a -sandy tract, only partially grassed, it broke into three sections, -thus baffling pursuit for a rescue.</p> -<p>The men returned to camp, when it was decided that pursuit -was simply impossible; and with gloomy forebodings -and sad hearts, the emigrant-train prepared to move on. During -these preparations, Wayne Kent stood a little apart in -silence, his usually bright, frank face overclouded and troubled.</p> -<p>Wild Nat stood near, watching the breaking up of the -camp, one elbow leaning on the saddle that covered the back -of a large mustang, which he had procured from the train, -and the other hand holding “Roarer,” as he termed his rifle.</p> -<p>When every thing was ready, Vic shook hands with Wild -Nat, saying:</p> -<p>“As I didn’t engage tew guide the train only jist through -the pass, I dare say ye’ll see my ugly picter some time in the -course of a month. I’m kalkerlatin’ ter trap up this way -somewhar.”</p> -<p>“Come up on Deep Creek an’ ye’ll find me,” said Wild -Nat; “the beaver is so thick thar, thet they cover the ground, -an’ thar tails lap by a piece. I’m bound for thar, at this -present speakin’.”</p> -<p>“Will you take me along for company, Nat?” asked Kent, -suddenly. “If you want a companion, I will act in that -capacity. I have some curiosity to try a trapper’s life.”</p> -<p>“Take ye along?” said the trapper. “In course! Yer as -welcum as the posies, my boy, an’ I hain’t enny kind o’ doubt -but what, in <i>time</i>, ye’ll git tew know a thing or two about Injuns. -All ready tew go?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” was the response; “all ready, and waiting.”</p> -<p>Bidding the emigrants good-by, the two men rode away, -and were soon out of sight of the long train of white wagons -<span class="pb" id="Page_30">30</span> -left behind. For some time Kent was silent and thoughtful. -He was thinking of Marion Verne, and wondering what her -fate was. A desire to find, or at least be near her, had led -him to stay with Wild Nat, rather than any great love for -trapping, though it was curiosity to try life in the wilderness -that led him to leave his home in Ohio and join the train. It -was there he first saw Marion Verne, an orphan, who, in company -with one of her mother’s sisters, was going to California. -His musings were suddenly brought to an end by Wild Nat -exclaiming:</p> -<p>“Thar’s suthin’ off yender. It’s Injuns tew, but they -don’t see us. I’ll snatch ’em bald-headed if they cum close -enough.”</p> -<p>“The party appears to be a very small one,” said Kent, -rising in his stirrups to look at the distant object, which was -so far off as to look to him like an indistinct mass, which -might be buffalo, or Indians, or whites, though Wild Nat declared -it was a party of seven Indians.</p> -<p>“My eyes are purty considerable sharp,” he said, in answer -to Kent’s wondering remark, concerning the keenness of his -vision. “In fact, I never yit saw the man who could see as -fur as I could. Them Injuns are goin’ off north. I’d like tew -have a chance to sp’ile sev’ral of thar purty picters. Blarst -thar karkasses, anyhow!”</p> -<p>“Nat,” said Kent, suddenly, “what makes you feel so bitter -a hatred of the Indians?”</p> -<p>“Beavers!” ejaculated the trapper, “I should think I’d hed -<i>reason</i>. Younker, ten year ago I hed a little cabin an’ a wife -an’ tew children. I war livin’ peaceably an’ mindin’ my own -consarns. One night a band of Injuns come, took me prisoner, -an’ butchered my wife an’ children afore my very eyes. Then -they burnt my cabin, an’ took me off for torture. I got away -the second night, an’ left seven dead red-skins as part pay. -Since then, I’ve been an Injun-hater, an’ I’ll lift the head-gear -off of every red devil thet I cum acrost.”</p> -<p>The trapper relapsed into silence, and spoke no more until -they came upon several buffalo, feeding at some distance from -the main herd. One of these the old trapper shot, and, after -securing a considerable quantity of the meat, they again rode -on, and sunset found them near Deep Creek, a small stream -<span class="pb" id="Page_31">31</span> -that had its source in the mountains, and after making a winding -course for many miles, was finally lost in the Sweetwater -river.</p> -<p>Wild Nat halted at a little distance from the stream, among -a thick growth of timber.</p> -<p>“Guess we’ll stop here. Tie yer hoss an’ I’ll show ye my -den. This ar’ ’bout as nice scenery as ye generally find. -This stream hurryin’ along over the stuns, an’ the woods here, -an’ the mount’ins up thar—I can’t see how any one can like -the towns. Give <i>me</i> the wild peraries, an’ the woods, an’ -mount’ins, an’ git away with yer towns an’ cities! Here, foller -me.”</p> -<p>The two men turned back from the stream, and pursued a -narrow, deep ravine, extending back toward the mountains -that towered above them; the sides of which were covered -with luxuriant bushes and wild vines tangled about them, often -forming impenetrable thickets.</p> -<p>Among these the men advanced, the trapper leading the -way, and neither of them aware of the dark face that looked -after them from a thicket of bushes, nor the pair of malignant -eyes that followed their movements with such keen scrutiny.</p> -<p>The trapper continued up the ravine the distance of ten -rods, and then thrusting aside the thick vines from one side, -removed a large stone, revealing a small, dark opening. -Into this he crept, hastily calling Kent to follow. The young -man obeyed, and in an instant the stone slid into its place, -and the twisted vines, relieved of its support, fell down over -it, effectually concealing all trace of the opening.</p> -<p>A moment after, the bushes, a few yards off, parted slowly, -and the dusky face became visible. For many minutes the -glittering eyes gazed about, and then a look of disappointment -succeeded the previous one of triumph. After remaining in -silence for a short time, the savage cautiously ventured forth. -He had lost sight of the men and was trying to regain the -lost clue. Stepping carefully forward, he bent down and -earnestly examined the ground. But he was foiled; the -ground betrayed no print of footsteps. After searching -vainly for some time, the baffled Indian turned and strode -away, shaking his tomahawk in futile rage at the silent covert -behind him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_32">32</div> -<h2 id="c5"><span class="small">CHAPTER V.</span> -<br />THE HOLE IN THE HILL.</h2> -<p>“Total darkness down here, isn’t there?” said Kent, putting -out his hand to see how wide the passage was, and finding -hard walls within a foot of where he stood.</p> -<p>“Yas,” answered Wild Nat; “but thet’s nothin’. Foller -yer nose, an’ I’ll foller you.”</p> -<p>The young man cautiously advanced, feeling his way, and -after going some ten paces, suddenly emerged into a cavern—how -large it was impossible to tell, owing to the darkness. It -was evident, however, that there was somewhere a communication -with the outer world, as the air was not stifling or mephitic, -as usual in caves, but quite fresh and agreeable.</p> -<p>“Do we stop here?” asked Kent.</p> -<p>“Yas; I’ll have a light in about a minnit,” replied the -trapper, groping about in search of some torchwood, which he -soon found and lighted, revealing the size of the cave. It -was a small, oval-shaped room, not more than sixteen feet in -length, and proportionately narrow. On two sides there was a -small recess, beyond which were several openings or chambers -communicating with each other by rugged passages, some of -which were several rods in length—mere rifts in the rock.</p> -<p>Kent amused himself with looking at the different rooms, -while the trapper built a small fire, and went out to take the -horses to a more secure place. In one of the chambers adjoining -the first cavern was a small pool of clear, cold water -on one side, evidently a living spring, for the water ran bubbling -over the stones, disappearing on the other side of the -cave. The curious Kent followed the passages from one cave -to another until he had passed five, and then came to a large -hall or room, with which the cavern terminated. After examining -these several subterranean wonders as well as the -dim light would permit, the explorer returned to the outer -room, and sat down to await Wild Nat’s return.</p> -<p>It was some time before the trapper returned, and when he -<span class="pb" id="Page_33">33</span> -made his appearance his usually long face was considerably -elongated.</p> -<p>“What is the matter?” asked his companion, noticing the -hunter’s looks.</p> -<p>“Wal, sir,” said Wild Nat, “jist tew tell the truth in -plain langwage, kalkulated for everybody’s understandin’, -thar’s an Injun been doggin’ our steps. Gallernippers an’ -centerpedes! I’d like to scratch his bald head!”</p> -<p>Kent smiled, despite his anxiety, at the trapper’s manner, -and said:</p> -<p>“Dogging our steps, eh? How did you find it out?”</p> -<p>“Found out by virtew of my opptickles, in course! When -I went out I see sign plenty—broken twigs an’ misplaced -bushes thet I knew dogoned well we didn’t dew, an’ then I -perceeded tew look about a little, an’ on lookin’ about I see -the catapiller’s tracks. Yes, I did.”</p> -<p>“Do you think he saw us come in here?” asked Kent.</p> -<p>“Can’t say,” replied Nat. “Might or mightn’t ag’in. I’m -sumwhat afeard he did. But, ef he did, an’ I git a chance at -him, I’ll bet a holler cottonwood full of beaver-tails thet he’ll -wish he’d died afore he saw me.”</p> -<p>“What will be the consequence if he has seen us?”</p> -<p>“Be down on us with a whole tribe, like bagpipes and -wolf-preachin’; but I’m not goin’ tew leave this place jist yet, -till I see. When I pre-empt a spot, I generally squat thar for -sum time, as I shell on this present occasion, ef nothin’ turns -up wuss’n a red nigger’s moccasin. Let’s have a little grub. -I’m ’ginnin’ tew feel empty as an old sugar-cask.”</p> -<p>Seizing the piece of broiled meat, the trapper tore it in -twain and tossed his companion half. This being discussed, -ere long they relapsed into slumber.</p> -<p>The next morning the two men were out early, setting traps.</p> -<p>“We’d better keep our opptickles peeled,” said Nat, “or we -might git sick with lead pills on the stomach. I persume tew -say thet thar’s copper-skins ’round. Jist toss me over thet -hatchet, will ye?”</p> -<p>When the traps were set, both men proceeded up the stream. -As they were passing through a small open spot, they were -suddenly surprised by half a dozen Indians, who rushed out -at them from the bushes.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div> -<p>“Yahoo!” shouted Wild Nat. “Here’s for a scrimmage. -Come on, ye yaller-skinned alligators. I’m ekal tew any ten -of ye!” and drawing his bowie-knife with his right hand, and -his revolver with his left, he plunged at them, striking right -and left, and firing at the same time.</p> -<p>Wayne, meantime, was not idle. With his rifle he brought -down one of the savages, and then, as the other barrel was -empty, he clubbed it, and swinging it about his head dealt -blows right and left with terrible fury.</p> -<p>In a moment half the Indians were down, and the remainder, -surprised and bewildered by the decision and effect -with which they were met, when they had counted on a complete -surprise, took to their heels and vanished in a twinkling.</p> -<p>“Purty well done,” said the trapper, coolly. “We’ve unkivered -four greasy nobs, an’ the rest, residew, an’ remainder -has measured sile. He! he! I guess they thought the climate -warn’t healthy—not adapted to thar peculiar constitutions, -so tew speak. Let’s lift ha’r.”</p> -<p>“Heavens!” ejaculated Kent, “you are not going to scalp -them?”</p> -<p>“I consider I <i>be</i>!” returned the trapper. “Wild Nat -Rogers ain’t the feller tew let ’em off with thar top-knots unmerlested. -Kinder mortifies ’em, ye see, tew hev thar ha’r -lifted, an’ any thin’ to morterfy a red nigger, I say.”</p> -<p>“Only the savages practice that barbarity,” said Kent. -“Why are you better than they if you follow their customs?”</p> -<p>“By virtew of bein’ born a white man,” replied the trapper, -proceeding to remove the scalps of the fallen foe, while -his companion went aside, not caring to witness the operation.</p> -<p>The scalps the hunter carried to the cave, where he hung -them up as “trophies,” he said, “an’ ter remind him of the -scrimmage.”</p> -<p>“Well,” said Kent, “I’d rather the ‘noble red-man’ should -keep away from here. I don’t relish the idea of having them -discover this cave, and likely enough keep us in here until we -starve.”</p> -<p>“I should objeck tew thet thing, myself,” said the trapper, -“but, I guess they won’t find us. I’ve ockepied this domicil -<span class="pb" id="Page_35">35</span> -for several seasons, an’ I hain’t been walled in yet. Fact is,” -said the old hunter, waxing eloquent, “I never was born an’ -reared for the purpose of bein’ killed by an Injun. I’ve lived -in this kentry for a number of years, an’ been in some four -hundred an’ thirty-two scrimmages, reckonin’ it by arithmetickal -progression, an’ snatched some half-dozen copper-skins -bald-headed in each one; an’ I’m now goin’ on my fifty-tooth -year, an’ at this present speakin’ I’m a whole individual, an’ -endowed with sartin unailyunable rights, among which is life, -liberty, an’ the pursuit of Injuns.”</p> -<p>This was said while the old trapper proceeded with the -manufacture of a pair of moccasins which he “wanted tew -fool the reds with. Ye see,” he said, cutting away at the -leather, “thar’s Injuns ’round, an’ I want tew scout a bit, an’ -seein’ these moccasin-tracks they’ll naterly suppose it’s an Injun -made the tracks.”</p> -<p>Several days passed without any signs of Indians, and the -young man was enjoying himself. This wild, free life greatly -pleased him. He went and came, with no cares nor duties to -hinder or perplex.</p> -<p>One day Wild Nat was busy cleaning his gun, which he -averred had been “consarndly bamboozled in some way. -Why, it’s a solemn fackt, thet yesterday when I shot at thet -wild turkey it held fire, an’ it’s suthin’ it never done afore since -I got it,” he continued, giving the wiper a vicious jerk.</p> -<p>“Well,” said Kent, taking up his rifle and examining the -priming, “I believe I’ll go out a while, and see if I can get a -wild turkey. I can’t say that I appreciate buffalo-hump as a -regular diet.”</p> -<p>He shouldered his rifle and started, followed by the trapper’s -warning words:</p> -<p>“Keep yer eyes open for Injuns, or they might ask ye to -taste tomahawk. I don’t doubt but they’re ’round.”</p> -<p>“All right; I will keep a sharp look-out,” was answered, -as the young man emerged from their retreat in the hill, and -started up the ravine.</p> -<p>Passing from the gorge, Kent turned up the creek, which -he followed for a considerable distance, and then struck off -to the south. From this point there was a beautiful view of -the mountains, and the young hunter resolved to explore further. -<span class="pb" id="Page_36">36</span> -Accordingly he shaped his course toward the desired -point, and walked briskly for the space of half an hour, paying, -meantime, but little heed to Wild Nat’s injunction about -keeping a look-out for Indians. His thoughts were with -Marion Verne, and he wandered on abstractedly, till the extreme -beauty of the scene before him drew his attention, and -he stopped to look about him.</p> -<p>Before, the mountains reared their heads, and at the left a -high cliff shot upward, crowned with a few stunted cedars, and -draped with a profusion of wild vines. He stood on a slight -eminence, which sloped away to the right, terminating in a -series of gorges, deep and shadowy, and covered with a thick -growth of slender trees, laced and interlaced with bushes and -vines, till they were almost impenetrable. Around him huge -trees reared their heads, and bushes and vines grew -in the wildest confusion, and high in the ether a large bird -screamed harshly as it flew slowly over.</p> -<p>As the young man stood silently contemplating the scene, -and wondering at the deep silence which pervaded it, he -was startled suddenly, by hearing deep, guttural voices near -him.</p> -<p>He had barely time to spring aside in the bushes, when, -standing precisely where he had stood a moment before, he -beheld eight or nine hideously-painted savages. Evidently -the noise of his retreat had startled them, for they stopped -and listened attentively. He scarcely dared to breathe, so -close were the savages to him—the nearest one standing not -more than six feet distant. He was so situated that he could -see the Indians, while they could not see him, but, unfortunately, -in his haste, he had neglected to get his gun concealed, -and about six inches of the muzzle protruded from -the bushes. He dared not withdraw it, well knowing that -the slightest movement would betray him, and with bated -breath he stood, hoping they would not discriminate between -it and the stems of the bushes.</p> -<p>The hope was a vain one. The Indian nearest him turned -his head an instant, and his eyes fell on the unlucky rifle. -With a ferocious grunt, he darted forward, followed by the -rest. For Wayne there was nothing to do but run, and, firing -both barrels at the advancing foe, he turned and fled toward -<span class="pb" id="Page_37">37</span> -one of the gorges before mentioned, the whole pack at -his heels.</p> -<p>The young man was an expert runner, but running on open -ground was quite a different thing from running in this wilderness, -as he soon found. However, he made pretty good -progress, scrambling over logs, leaping rocks, and dodging -under lodged trees, over stones and dead boughs, “ducking” -his head to avoid limbs, and diving through thickets of vines, -with a celerity which would have astonished any one new to -the business, and utterly impossible, had it not been for the -“motive power” behind.</p> -<p>Gradually he found he was distancing his pursuers, though -they still were not far behind. Hurrying forward, he scrambled -through a tangled thicket, and plunged down a narrow -gorge, half filled with bushes, through whose rocky bottom a -little stream bubbled, and which terminated in a sort of broken -dell, intersected by ravines and gulf-like fissures in every direction. -Darting into one of these, he followed it until the -sound of pursuit grew faint, and then, panting and exhausted, -he sunk down against the rocky bank and drew a long breath. -As he sat there, mentally congratulating himself on his escape, -and thinking of the discomfiture of his enemies, his -musings were suddenly interrupted by a vise-like grip on his -arm, and a guttural voice saying, in most execrable English:</p> -<p>“Ugh! White man go with us.”</p> -<p>Looking up he found himself surrounded with Indians, -painted similarly to the ones he had just left behind.</p> -<p>He was a prisoner!</p> -<p>In an instant the woods rung with the wild whoops of his -captors, and directly the Indians who had pursued him arrived, -rejoicing at the capture, and brandishing their tomahawks -with savage glee. After a short consultation, the -white man was bound securely, and mounted on a small nag, -whose powers of locomotion evidently had been exhausted -years before, and the whole party set out on the march.</p> -<p>As they journeyed on, the young man’s thoughts were of -any thing but a pleasant nature. A prisoner in the hands of -these merciless savages, with no one who knew of his whereabouts, -what hope was there? If Wild Nat knew of his -<span class="pb" id="Page_38">38</span> -plight there might be a rescue, and yet, what was one man -against so many?</p> -<p>They traveled steadily on until late in the afternoon; then -halted in a wood, and all dismounted. Wayne was considerably -puzzled by the proceedings. The Indians held a short -council, and finally an old, grave-looking fellow, who, Kent -thought, might be a chief from his appearance, and from the -deference paid him, arose and made a speech of some length. -The prisoner, ignorant of the Indian tongue, of course did not -comprehend a word, but he saw that the chief’s wishes met -with approbation, from the nods and grunts of the august assembly.</p> -<p>The chief sat down and the consultation ended. Kent -was most unceremoniously taken from his horse and bound -to a small tree. The savages evidently were greatly pleased, -and while wondering what it all meant, their prisoner saw -several Indians busily engaged in gathering wood, which they -deposited near him. The mystery was explained! He was -about to be burned at the stake!</p> -<p>The Indians, of whom there were fifteen or sixteen, began -to yell and jabber violently, and jumped about, brandishing -their war-clubs and tomahawks alarmingly near the prisoner’s -head, who heartily wished they would strike a hatchet -into his skull, and save him from the fearful death before -him. He could meet death bravely in any form, but to be -burned at the stake—to die by inches in excruciating torture—the -thought was one of horror.</p> -<p>The wood was piled about him, at a little distance, to the -hight of a couple of feet, built up artistically with dry fagots, -that looked as if they carried in their gray hearts a world of -heat and flame.</p> -<p>At last all was ready; the match was applied, and the little -tongues of fire began to curl up among the fagots, creeping -slowly, but surely, among the dry wood, and lapping hungrily -about the sticks as if impatient for its victim.</p> -<p>The young man resolved to die bravely, and as the heat -increased so that he began to feel its effects, he mentally commended -his soul to heaven and breathed a prayer for the -safety and welfare of his aged parents, who would mourn his -unknown fate.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_39">39</div> -<p>The savages were executing a wild war-dance, mingled -with shouts and songs, and accompanied by waving of clubs -and tomahawks, and brandishing of knives. In the shadow -of the falling twilight their dusky forms swayed to and fro, -and their painted faces, lit by the increasing flames, looked -more like the faces of fiends than human beings.</p> -<p>The forked tongues of fire crawled on, increasing in strength -and fury every moment. Already Kent began to feel their -scorching effects. His knees were almost blistered, and the -dense, rising smoke nearly suffocated him.</p> -<p>Suddenly he heard the brands behind him rattle as if -thrown aside by a hasty hand; the same instant he felt the -bands that bound him loosened, and a voice which he instantly -recognized as that of Vic Potter, shouted:</p> -<p>“Run for yer life! Take thet, ye yaller rips!” and he -fired his rifle with such effect that two savages rolled in the -dust, and, drawing his knife, struck another who stood in his -path; then snatching Kent’s gun and powder-horn, which -leaned against a tree near at hand, he bounded away into -the woods, closely followed by Kent, and vanished in a -twinkling!</p> -<p>So intent were the Indians on their barbarous work, that -this sudden onslaught of the guide completely surprised them, -and with such suddenness and celerity did he do his work, -that, before they could recover the shock, he was out of -sight.</p> -<p>Then, with wild whoops of disappointment and rage they -started in pursuit.</p> -<p>“Foller me,” said Vic, as he sprung before the young man, -“an’ in tew minits we’ll be out o’ danger, so tew speak. Hear -the cusses yell!”</p> -<p>The trapper made no slow work of measuring the distance, -and Kent was not far behind. After five minutes of hard -running and dodging, the trapper darted round a dense thicket, -followed by the other. Kent was surprised to see a man -seated on a horse and holding another animal by the halter.</p> -<p>“Up behind me,” shouted Vic, springing into the saddle. -“Fleetfoot is good for both of us.”</p> -<p>The young man mounted with a bound, and the horses -dashed away.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_40">40</div> -<p>“Varmints!” exclaimed the trapper. “Jist hear ’em holler! -Guess they’ll find the game has guv ’em the slip. Ye -see they started after us afoot, an’ in course they can’t catch -us thet way, an’ it’ll take ’em some time tew go arter their -hosses.”</p> -<p>“You arrived just in time,” said Kent, as they swept -along. “Ten minutes later it would have been too late.”</p> -<p>“Zackly,” responded the trapper. “It war lucky I happened -along. Ye see, Scip and I—”</p> -<p>“Is that Scip?” interrupted Kent. “I hadn’t thought to -ask who it was, and the darkness prevented me from seeing. -How are you, Scip? So you concluded to try life on the -plains a while, eh?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” replied the negro. “Vic said mout as well. I’s -rader feerd ob de Injins, but, he says, dar’s no danger. Looks -like it, ye bein’ tied up ter brile! Wish I’d staid wid de -emergrants.”</p> -<p>“There’s no danger, so long as you keep out of their way,” -laughed Kent; “but the trouble is to keep out of reach. I -flatter myself that the time I made this morning would be -hard to beat, but I fell into their hands after all.”</p> -<p>“How war it?” asked Vic.</p> -<p>The young man then related the circumstances of his capture, -adding:</p> -<p>“We have distanced our pursuers. There is nothing to be -heard.”</p> -<p>“Gone arter thar animiles,” said Vic. “Which way is the -cave?”</p> -<p>“South-west,” replied Kent.</p> -<p>“Guess we’ll p’int for thar, then,” said the trapper.</p> -<p>The horses’ heads were accordingly turned in that direction, -and the little party swept on.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_41">41</div> -<h2 id="c6"><span class="small">CHAPTER VI.</span> -<br />A HAPPY MEETING.</h2> -<p>Two months passed succeeding the events already recorded.</p> -<p>The scene is laid in an Indian village on the banks of the -Sweetwater river, and the hour just before sunset.</p> -<p>In a lodge, considerably larger than the others, the curtain-door -of which is lifted, sits a young girl, gazing out upon the -river and woodlands.</p> -<p>Her head is supported on her hand, a look of deep sadness -overspreads her features, and her soft, dark eyes are full -of tears. It is Marion Verne, who, since the night of her -capture, has been a prisoner among the Indians. She was -adopted by the sachem of the tribe, to be a companion for -his daughter, and had been treated with kindness. But she -felt as if utterly forsaken—so far from home and friends, -with no one but savages for company, and with no prospect -of escape. Could she spend her life with these creatures? -she asked herself for the hundredth time. No; a thousand -times no; and yet how could she avert her fate? Of late a -new trouble had come upon her. A young chief, named the -Panther, had offered her the honor of becoming his squaw, -and as An-ga-ta, (the sachem,) favored his suit, the poor girl -was in despair.</p> -<p>Her musings were suddenly interrupted by the entrance of -Neenah, the daughter of An-ga-ta.</p> -<p>“My sister is sad,” she said, in broken English, which she -had learned from Marion. “Can Neenah help her? She -does not like to see the Dark Eyes unhappy.”</p> -<p>“Would not Neenah be sad if An-ga-ta wished her to marry -a brave she did not love?” asked Marion.</p> -<p>The Indian girl nodded. “Neenah would. Does not the -Dark Eyes love the Panther? He is very good and brave. -Long ago he had eyes for Neenah and ears for her words. -Since Dark Eyes came he sees only her,” said the girl, sadly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_42">42</div> -<p>“Why does he leave you, to seek one who is of another -people?” asked Marion.</p> -<p>“His heart has forgotten Neenah,” replied the girl. “He -is now talking with An-ga-ta. He wants my sister.”</p> -<p>“Oh!” said Marion, “I can not marry him! If your -father would only let me go to my people!”</p> -<p>At that moment a shadow crossed the doorway, and the -great sachem entered. Seating himself gravely, he continued -in silence for some minutes.</p> -<p>“The Panther seeks the Dark Eyes,” he said at last. “He -would have her to tan his skins, and keep his lodge-fire burning. -When three suns shall pass, the marriage-feast will be -eaten and the Dark Eyes be given to the Panther. Let her -prepare.”</p> -<p>So saying the chief arose, and folding his blanket around -him left the lodge, leaving Marion bewildered and despairing. -She sat for a long time weeping bitterly, and paying little -heed to Neenah’s expression of sympathy, and then retired -to her couch.</p> -<p>All the long night she lay awake, thinking over the chief’s -words, and trying to devise some plan of escape. So far -from finding any, she only grew bewildered thinking of it, -and with the first rays of dawn fell into an uneasy sleep.</p> -<p>The day passed drearily enough, and night came again and -passed, and yet Marion was undecided how to act. The -morning of the second day she arose, and dressing herself -hastily, went out. She had always been allowed to walk -about the village, the Indians knowing that there was no danger -of her attempting to escape. To escape from them would -only be to fall into the claws of some wild beast, or perish in -the wilds from hunger and exposure. The day wore on -while she rambled about, or sat in the shade of bushes on the -river’s bank, gazing into its shining depths, and thinking of -her circumstances. This was the last day of her freedom—if -the morrow found her here, she would be made the wife -of the Panther, according to Indian law. The thought was -horrible! Every moment she grew more desperate. What -could she do? Could she fly from the village and find her -way to civilization? It was one hundred miles to Fort -Laramie; could she ever reach there on foot? There was a -<span class="pb" id="Page_43">43</span> -bare chance of her falling in with some emigrants, yet it was -hardly a chance, at all, so improbable was it. There were -nine chances out of ten that she would perish before she -could reach any fort or settlement, but death was far preferable -to living with an Indian. She determined to try for her -life.</p> -<p>Going leisurely through the village with some flowers in -her hands, she attracted no unusual attention, and arrived at -the chieftain’s lodge just after the hour of noon. She waited -patiently till night, and retired as usual. She was somewhat -puzzled to know how to leave the lodge without Neenah’s -knowledge, as they occupied one couch. Trusting to Providence, -she lay down as usual, and waited. For a while the -Indian girl tossed about the couch, but, at length, her deep, -regular breathing gave evidence that she was asleep. But -not yet could our heroine start. The village had not subsided -into quiet.</p> -<p>She waited, hoping and fearing, until it was midnight.</p> -<p>Neenah still slept.</p> -<p>Rising silently, Marion robed herself, and with great care -not to arouse the Indian girl, nor the chief, stole into the -outer room of the lodge. She knew that, in there, was some -jerked venison, and a small cake, made of corn meal. These -she meant to take with her.</p> -<p>In this room slept the sachem, and Marion’s heart beat -rapidly as she entered. If he awoke, and saw her! His -couch was in one corner, and the girl slowly and silently -crossed the room. She had reached the venison and cake, -and was returning, when the sachem moved, and evidently -thinking he heard something, half arose! Quick as thought, -Marion sunk down and waited. The chief glanced around -the apartment, and not seeing the crouching figure, and hearing -nothing, with a sleepy “Ugh!” composed himself for -sleep.</p> -<p>Breathlessly, Marion crouched on the floor, not daring to -stir, lest he should be aroused.</p> -<p>Ten, fifteen minutes passed; then the girl rose softly and -flitted out. Gliding through her room, she noiselessly untied -the outer door of skins and passed out. Closing it behind -her, she paused a moment to look around. Every thing was -<span class="pb" id="Page_44">44</span> -quiet and in darkness. The night was rather cloudy, but -still light enough for objects to be quite distinct at a few -rods distant.</p> -<p>With a beating heart and a murmured prayer, the maiden -threaded her way between the lodges, keeping in the shadow -as much as possible, and moving with the utmost caution and -silence. Meeting with no obstacles, she very soon cleared -the village, and stood outside in the silence and gloom.</p> -<p>For a moment her heart failed her. Before her lay the -wide forests and extended plains, the abode of wild animals -and savage Indians, and but for these, and an occasional trapper, -utterly in solitude!</p> -<p>Marion was not very courageous by nature, and the darkness -and wildness before her made her tremble with dread; -but, one thought of what lay behind nerved her, and she -stepped boldly forward. At any moment her absence might -be discovered, and this made her quicken her steps. The -clouds obscured the stars, but, turning her face in the direction -she supposed Fort Laramie to be, she hastened forward, -not dreaming that, in her haste and excitement, she was going -directly from it!</p> -<p>Wearily the girl traveled on, growing at length so tired -that she could hardly stand; but, anxious to get away still -further from the pursuers, who, she felt certain, were, before -this time, on her track, she stumbled forward, until the first -yellow light in the east drew her attention. Then, to her -despair, she discovered her error. All these weary miles she -had gone the wrong way!</p> -<p>Worn out and exhausted, she searched for a spot where -she would be screened from observation, to lie down and rest. -Besides, she dared not travel by day. Selecting a little thicket -of bushes and vines she threw herself on the ground, and -tired and weary, soon fell asleep.</p> -<p>All day long she thus rested, waking but once or twice; -but late in the afternoon she was aroused by a rough touch -on her arm. Starting up, she beheld the Panther bending -over her, and several other Indians standing near!</p> -<p>Once more a prisoner!</p> -<p>The chief took her up without a word, and placed her on -a mustang, which he evidently had brought for her use. Thus -<span class="pb" id="Page_45">45</span> -mounted, they started toward the village, the other Indians -following at some distance on foot. The Panther made no -remark, but he kept his hand on her bridle-rein.</p> -<p>They rode slowly for some distance. The wretched maiden -had not uttered a word, and seemed to be totally passive. -The Panther congratulated himself on his easy success. But, -while Marion was silent, she was not unnerved. True, she -was almost in despair, but she resolved that she <i>would not</i> go -back to the village. Yet, <i>how</i> to escape?</p> -<p>While she was revolving the matter in her mind, the Indians -behind got into some kind of a dispute, which attracted -the Panther’s attention. Halting, he for a moment dropped -the rein and began to talk to them. Taking advantage of his -inattention, Marion suddenly raised her deer-thong whip and -struck her horse a stinging blow. The enraged animal started -off like a shot.</p> -<p>The savages behind, in their hot anger did not stop their -dispute, until the chief yelled furiously at them, which he did -in a very menacing manner. Seeing there was no likelihood -of overtaking his charge, he called out to the others to shoot -her horse, himself setting the example.</p> -<p>Meantime Marion, with the courage born of desperation, -was urging her horse forward in the deep twilight of the -woods, when a shower of bullets flew like hail around her. -One, more steadily aimed than the others, struck her steed, -and he fell beneath her. Springing off, as she felt him sinking, -she darted forward into the thickest of the undergrowth, -the fearful yells of the savages making her blood curdle.</p> -<p>As she worked her way forward in the thicket, she caught -a glimpse, as she passed it, of a large cottonwood, growing -within a small clump of bushes. Into this cover she drew -herself. To her great surprise, she discovered a small opening -in the giant tree. It was so nearly hidden as to be almost -invisible. It appeared large enough to afford a retreat, -and she hastily wedged herself in it, arranging the little clump -of surrounding bushes so as to entirely hide it.</p> -<p>She had barely done so when the Indians burst into the -opening, and ran whooping and yelling in every direction -around the tree, and passing so close that Marion trembled -lest the loud throbbing of her heart should betray her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_46">46</div> -<p>The savages beat the bushes all around, and for some distance -in advance, of course without success. The constantly -deepening darkness made every minute add to her security. -In a half-hour’s time the savages were gone. Waiting awhile, -she at length, with excessive caution, ventured out, and hurried -away from the spot as fast as possible. After walking -about three miles she came to the edge of the plain. It was -very dark, and afar off she heard the howl of the wolves. -She shuddered lest the fierce animals should get on her track. -There was but little light from the stars, but shaping her -course by the little there was, she went wearily on. She was -getting fearfully tired, and feeling almost as if she did not -care whether she lived or died, when she caught sight of a -small light, apparently a couple of miles distant. It was evidently -the camp-fire of some one, but whether of friend or -savage foe she could not tell.</p> -<p>After considering the matter awhile she concluded to go -forward, feeling confident that she could get close enough to -ascertain whether it was whites or Indians before she would -be discovered. Accordingly she hastened on, and when within -twenty rods of the fire, began to be very cautious. The -fire had died down to a bed of smoldering coals, and the light -it afforded was not sufficient to reveal the forms around it.</p> -<p>As she flitted about, continually changing her position to -enable her to see better, and gradually drawing nearer the fire, -she was electrified by hearing a rough but good-natured voice -exclaim:</p> -<p>“Would it be ill-mannered in me tew politely ask ye whar -ye might be goin’?”</p> -<p>The maiden stopped with a joyful cry. It was the voice -of a friend, although a stranger. While she stood silent, a -tall, slab-sided, long-nosed man advanced from the darkness, -and came up to her, trailing a long rifle.</p> -<p>“’Tain’t offen I see a woman,” he said, looking at her as -if struck by a sudden idea; “tharfore ye’ll considerately excuse -my manners. Jist let me ask if yer name is Marion -Verne?”</p> -<p>“It is,” replied Marion. “May I ask who you are, and -how you happened to see me?”</p> -<p>“Nat Rogers, at yer sarvice,” replied the trapper, for it -<span class="pb" id="Page_47">47</span> -was none other than he. “An’ as for seein’ ye, I ginerally -have my optickles peeled. I’ve been follerin’ ye ’round ever -since ye ’gan tew look at thet fire out thar. Ye’ll find some -friends out thar. Let’s be pokin’ thet way. I konklude thet -ye got away from the Injuns.”</p> -<p>“I escaped last night,” replied Marion, as they approached -the fire.</p> -<p>As they came up, Vic Potter sprung to his feet with wild -ejaculations, and Marion saw behind him a dark visage, distorted -with a broad grin of wonder and pleasure.</p> -<p>“Varmints! Is it actually Marion?” cried Vic, taking her -hand and giving it a hearty shake.</p> -<p>“It certainly is,” replied the girl, with a smile. “Why—Wayne!”</p> -<p>The young man came forward, his handsome face aglow -with pleasure.</p> -<p>“I’m glad to see you,” he said, simply; but the words -brought a blush to Marion’s face. “How glad you may imagine, -when I tell you that I never expected to see you again. -How in the world did you come here?”</p> -<p>“I will tell you presently,” she replied, shaking hands with -the grinning Scip. And then she relayed to her earnest listeners -all that had befallen her.</p> -<p>“It is fortunate I found you. I don’t think I could have -reached Fort Laramie alive.”</p> -<p>“Know ye couldn’t,” said Wild Nat. “Ye’d starved tew -death ’fore ye got half-way there.”</p> -<p>The little party felt very merry and laughed and talked till -a late hour. Wild Nat was “moved” to relate some large -stories.</p> -<p>“Golly,” said Scip. “Dese skeeters is mighty sassy. Der -<i>awful</i> big, too! Yah, but dey bites sharp!”</p> -<p>“Pooh,” said Wild Nat, “these ain’t <i>nothin’</i> tew what I’ve -seen. When I war down in Texas I seen <i>skeeters</i>. They war -big as woodpeckers.”</p> -<p>“Oh, g’way now!” remonstrated Scip. “’S if I didn’t -kno’ dar neber war no skeeters big ’s dat ar’! ’Tain’t in de -line o’ reason, dat ain’t.”</p> -<p>“It’s so,” said the trapper, gravely. “Ye see, Scip, in the -hot countries they grow bigger. I’ve seen ’em quite often as -<span class="pb" id="Page_48">48</span> -big as young turkeys, an’ skeeters the size of woodpeckers -warn’t nothin’ uncommon!”</p> -<p>Scip said no more, but became very serious.</p> -<p>“Let’s roll up an’ snooze,” said Vic. “I’m gittin’ sleepy, -an’ we must be off airly. The Injuns will be arter the lady, -an’ we’ll stan’ a chance of gittin’ rubbed out ef we don’t make -tracks lively. S’pose we’ll have tew go tew the cave for the -present, an’ lay low till thar animosity cools off a little, ’fore -startin’ for civilization.”</p> -<p>“How far is it to the cave you speak of?” asked Marion.</p> -<p>“’Bout fifteen miles,” replied Vic.</p> -<p>And then they lapsed into slumber.</p> -<p>Morning broke bright and clear, and the little party were -off for the cave in good season. There was no immediate -danger apprehended, and they rode at a moderate pace, enjoying -the fresh breeze and the exhilarating influence of the -ride. When about ten miles from their rendezvous, they perceived -a large herd of buffalo quietly feeding about a mile -distant.</p> -<p>“I’d like some sport with ’em,” said Wild Nat. “It’s tew -bad tew let sich a chance as thet go. But we’ll have tew, I -opine. ’Twon’t do tew keep the little ’un here an’ have her -in danger of Injuns.” And the trapper gazed after the herd -with a sigh.</p> -<p>“Tell ye what I’ll dew,” said Vic, halting his horse. “I’ll -take Marion to the cave, an’ ye can all stay an’ hunt ef ye -like. ’Twould be a good plan tew hev some fresh meat. -What say?”</p> -<p>“E-pluribus,” exclaimed Wild Nat; “jist the show! -Kent, ye jist hand Marion tew Vic, an’ in about tew jerks of -a beaver’s tail we’ll snatch some o’ them bufflers by the tail, -an’ pull thar skins off over thar horns.”</p> -<p>Accordingly, Marion, who for want of a horse had been -obliged to ride behind Kent, mounted behind Vic, and the -two kept on their way to the cave, while the others started -on the hunt.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_49">49</div> -<h2 id="c7"><span class="small">CHAPTER VII.</span> -<br />HOLED.</h2> -<p>Leaving Vic and the girl to pursue their way, we will follow -the hunters.</p> -<p>They had an exciting chase, and brought down several fine -animals, from which they elected a considerable quantity of -the choicest portions, and then prepared to start for the -cave.</p> -<p>As Wild Nat untied the halter of his steed from the horns -of a buffalo, he suddenly straightened himself up, and bounding -into the saddle, exclaimed:</p> -<p>“Look thar! We’re in for a race.”</p> -<p>Kent turned, and looked in the direction indicated, and saw, -not forty rods distant, a large band of mounted Indians coming -toward them at a furious gallop.</p> -<p>“Turn toes!” shouted Nat. “Don’t let the grass grow under -yer feet nuther,” and in an instant the three were flying -over the prairie, followed by the whooping savages.</p> -<p>At first they all kept together, but in a short time the mule -bestrode by Scip evidently came to the conclusion that there -was no necessity for him to exert himself quite so much, and -slackened his pace, so as to be several rods in the rear of Kent -and Rogers, much to the dismay of his rider, who alternately -addressed himself to the mule and to his friends in advance.</p> -<p>“G’long, ye obstinate beastess,” he exclaimed, with a terrified -glance over his shoulder. “Don’ ye know we shell -be clean gobbled up an’ eat, we shell? G’long, I tell ye! -In ’nother minnit we shell be cotched ef ye don’t hurry. -<i>G’long</i>, ye lazy debbel! <i>G’long!</i>”</p> -<p>Then raising his voice:</p> -<p>“Hol’ on dar, boys! ’Tain’t fair to run away from a feller -in dis way, ’clar’ ’tain’t! Hol’ on; dar’s no sort o’ danger. -What ye goin’ so fast for?</p> -<p>“Git up! G’long! Oh! o-o-h! Gorry, we shell be killed,” -<span class="pb" id="Page_50">50</span> -he spluttered, as an arrow flew past him. “Now, see -here, ole hoss, you <i>mus’</i> go faster, deed ye mus’! Don’no’ -what ye mean by gwine so slow. Don’ ye know—</p> -<p>“I say dar, ye fellers is scart! Dar’s no sense in yer gwine -so fast, fur dar ain’t a <i>spec’</i> o’ danger, not a <i>bit</i>! Jes’ see how -cool dis chile takes it! Don’ look well fur ye to go so fast, -nohow. Hol’ on now! I tell ye dar’s no— Oh, de Lor’! -<i>G’long!</i>”</p> -<p>The frightened darkey “ducked” his head, as an arrow -struck the fore-shoulder of the mule, and was agreeably surprised -to see that this time his “G’long” was heeded, for, -the mule, feeling the arrow, kicked his heels in the air, and -with a snort was off, with such an increase of speed, that in -a moment he had overtaken the others, and thereafter, the -only trouble his rider had, was to keep him from going too -fast.</p> -<p>“Ye ain’t takin’ it so <i>cool</i> as ye was, be ye?” asked Wild -Nat, as the negro shot past him.</p> -<p>“Ye’d better go faster,” answered Scip; “dey ain’t fur behind, -an’ it’s much dang’rous to have ’em so clus. Will dey -cotch us, t’ink?”</p> -<p>“Guess not,” replied the trapper. “In half an hour we’ll -be on tew Deep Creek, an’ I guess we’ll fool ’em then. Ef -we don’t,” he added, under his breath, “it’ll be apt tew go -hard with us, for the buffler-hunt tired our hosses somewhat.”</p> -<p>Silence ensued between the trio, who anxiously watched the -distance between themselves and pursuers, and were gratified -to observe that it did not perceptibly lessen.</p> -<p>On they went at a steady gallop. Wild Nat had said that -as long as it was possible to keep out of reach at that pace, it -was best, as their animals would soon need their strength for -the final stretch.</p> -<p>The Indians were about thirty rods distant. Ten, fifteen -minutes passed, and then the fugitives approached the bank -of Deep Creek.</p> -<p>“Foller me,” exclaimed the old trapper, as his horse plunged -into the stream, followed by the others.</p> -<p>They were in the woods, so that their pursuers were hidden -from view, and Kent was surprised to see that the trapper -<span class="pb" id="Page_51">51</span> -headed his horse up the stream, thereby going closer to the -Indians, who were up the creek a short distance, and not far -from the bank.</p> -<p>“Keep clus tew me,” said Wild Nat, “an’ keep perfectly -still.”</p> -<p>“Are you mad?” asked the young man. “We are throwing -ourselves into their hands.”</p> -<p>“Be we?” said the trapper. “Wal, I guess not. D’ye -want tew be sculped?”</p> -<p>“Of course not.”</p> -<p>“Then foller me an’ keep still. Don’t shake yer jaw-bones -so, Scip; they’ll hear yer teeth chatter.”</p> -<p>In dead silence the little party kept up the stream, while -the yelling Indians followed their land-trail, and arrived at -the stream about the time our friends were twenty rods -above.</p> -<p>“Keep powerful still,” admonished Nat, as he turned his -horse’s head to the shore. “Don’t make a sound. Ef -ye do, we’re jest as good as baldheaded. Keep clus tew -me.”</p> -<p>The others were not disposed to disregard this advice, and -in a moment they were all on dry land.</p> -<p>“This way,” said the trapper, starting off through the woods. -“Step karful, Rocky.”</p> -<p>The horse seemed to understand and made but little noise. -After going at a trot for a short distance, the trapper struck -into a gallop, in which he was imitated by the others. Ten -minutes’ sharp riding brought them to the little rocky gorge, -leading to a small rock-inclosed dell, where the horses were -generally kept.</p> -<p>“Step lively,” said the trapper, as he dismounted; “’twon’t -be long till the reds will find they’re fooled, an’ then they’ll -be arter us.”</p> -<p>“Well,” said Kent, “why didn’t they follow us? What -prevented them from seeing we went up-stream?”</p> -<p>“Sandy bottom. Don’t rile much an’ settles so quick they -couldn’t see we’d been thar,” replied the trapper. “They -naterly s’posed we’d gone <i>down</i>, as thet war away from ’em. -Wagh! Old Nat’s good for ’em yit. Now, let’s <i>git</i> for the -cave!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div> -<p>With great caution and the utmost silence, the fugitives -hurried through the forest, and in due time found themselves -at the cave. Vic and Marion were beginning to wonder at -their long absence, and were agreeably surprised at their sudden -appearance. In reply to their questions, Wild Nat related -the incidents of the race, adding:</p> -<p>“I reckon they’ll feel ruther cantankerus about losin’ us so -slick, but I don’t feel pertikularly sorry for ’em. Ef it -hadn’t been thet thar war quite so many of ’em, we’d ’a’ stood -an’ had a scrimmage. I’d like tew have deprived ’em of -their sculp-lock. He he! I tell ye, Vic, it war fun tew see -thet darkey! His teeth chattered so, when we war in the -woods, they follered us by the sound! It’s a fackt! I war -ser’usly ’larmed for fear we should have tew chew his buffler-hump -for him. Reckoned his teeth would all shake out.”</p> -<p>“Oh, g’way now!” said Scip. “It’s no such t’ing, Vic; -he’s foolin’, he is! Warn’t I ’way behind, takin’ it cool, -when ye fellers war runnin’ like mad? Jes’ ans’er dat, will -ye.”</p> -<p>“Yes, ye war takin’ it cool! Ye war so scart ye almost -fell off yer mule! Gallinippers! Ye ought tew heard him -holler ’G’long!’ Wagh! Wagh!”</p> -<p>And the trapper “laughed till he cried” at the recollection, -while the indignant darkey relapsed into sulky silence.</p> -<p>Wild Nat had jeered at the negro so frequently concerning -his cowardice, that he was getting to be sensitive on that subject.</p> -<p>“How long will we have to stay here?” asked Marion.</p> -<p>“’Bout two days, I reckon,” replied Vic. “Thar’s one -thin’ thet I don’t see how we are goin’ tew’ git around. Thar’s -no hoss for Marion, an’, blow me, ef I know whar we ar’ -goin’ tew git one.”</p> -<p>“It’s a poser,” said Wild Nat, “but I’ve heern say thet -perseverance an’ sweet ile will overcome any thin’, an’ we’ve -got the perseverance, if not the ile. Mebby buffler-fat would -ans’er, though.”</p> -<p>For the remainder of the day no one left the cave, but at -dark Wild Nat went out to attend to the animals, and insisted -on having Scip accompany him. That worthy rather -demurred.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_53">53</div> -<p>“Yer afraid!” said the trapper, contemptuously.</p> -<p>“Ain’t neither, tell you. Nebber war scart in my life,” -retorted the darkey. “De trufe is, my head aches, an’ I don’ -feel like walkin’.”</p> -<p>“Head aches!” ejaculated the trapper. “Wal, I should -think it would! Ef my teeth had danced a double-shuffle -for the length of time yern did, I couldn’t speak in a month. -Don’t the hinge of yer jaw want ilein’?”</p> -<p>“Ye shet yer mouf!” replied Scip. “’S if I didn’t know -ye’s a-lyin’. My teeth never chattered! I dunno what scart -means; nebber war scart in my life!”</p> -<p>“I guess ye never war,” said Wild Nat. “Not more’n a -thousand times. It war a sight, Vic, tew see him drum his -mule an’ holler—”</p> -<p>“Shet up!” roared Scip. “Where’s my hat?”</p> -<p>And jamming his tile down over his woolly head, the -darkey left the cave. The trapper followed, and in silence -they took their way to the dell. Arrived at the narrow -gorge which led thither, the trapper told the negro to remain -there while he went and attended to the horses.</p> -<p>“Keep a sharp eye out for reds,” he added, “an’ if any of -’em gobbles ye up, jest holler an’ I’ll be here in time tew -sculp ye.”</p> -<p>With which comforting remark he vanished in the darkness, -leaving the terrified African to his own reflections. He -by no means relished the idea of being there alone, but -knowing there was no alternative, he fortified his courage -as well as he was able, and tried to think there was no -danger.</p> -<p>“No sorter use in me standin’ here,” he grumbled, after -some time; “ain’t a spec’ o’ danger of eny one comin’ ’long. -De trufe is, he’s coward hisself. What’s dat black t’ing? -Oh, de Lor’! S’pose it should be an Injun! ’Tain’t dat; -it’s nothin’ but a stump. Why don’t dat feller come ’long?”</p> -<p>He leaned against the rocky wall, and peered fearfully -around him, as if expecting to see something advance from -the darkness upon him. To his terror his expectations were -realized. Before him, at the distance of half a dozen yards, -rose up a tall, dark form, which advanced toward him, with -uplifted arm.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div> -<p>“Oh, de Lor’, I’m a goner!” yelled the terrified African, -as he turned and ran precipitately toward the cave, followed -by the object of his fright, at a little distance behind.</p> -<p>“Ha! ha!” chuckled the pursuer, in a voice that sounded -suspiciously like the trapper’s. “He feels like runnin’ ef not -like walkin’! Guess I’ll stop; he’ll think I’m arter him all -the same.”</p> -<p>And the mischievous trapper slackened his pace, and -walked leisurely along. Not so with Scip. He made the -best time he was capable of, and that was by no means slow—stumbling -over sticks and stones in his headlong career, -and not once stopping to look behind. As he bowled -along, head down and arms flying, he was suddenly grasped -and thrown to the ground.</p> -<p>Wild Nat, walking slowly at some distance behind, was -startled suddenly by a succession of yells and shrieks of the -negro, of such an earnest and explosive kind, as convinced -him something serious was the matter.</p> -<p>Grasping his knife and revolver, he bounded forward, and -in a moment had reached the scene. In the darkness he -could only distinguish several dark forms struggling on the -ground, among which he had no difficulty in recognizing -Scip, from the volley of exclamations and ejaculations, interspersed -with grunts and groans, which issued from his mouth.</p> -<p>The trapper fired his revolver at two of the enemy and -then grappled with a third, leaving only one for the negro -to contend with. The trapper’s adversary was a large, muscular -Indian, and for a time it seemed doubtful which one -would come off conqueror. They rolled over and over in -the darkness, sometimes the hunter uppermost and anon the -savage. At length the trapper, whose right hand held the -throat of the savage, and whose left pinioned the arm of -his adversary, discovered that the Indian, with his unoccupied -hand, was endeavoring to draw his knife. Still keeping his -hold he waited till the knife was partly drawn from the -sheath, and then letting go his hold on the savage’s throat, -he grasped the knife and plunged it into his red bosom -almost to the haft.</p> -<p>Shaking himself loose from his now helpless foe, he turned -to see how the negro fared.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div> -<p>“Take dat!” he was saying, “an’ dat, an’ dat! Yah, yah! -Guess ye never see dis nigger butt! I’ll learn ye to tackle -niggers what’s walkin’ peaceably ’long an’ mindin’ dere own -concerns. Don’t ye wish ye’d never see’d dis chile? Yah, -yah!”</p> -<p>“Want enny help?” asked Wild Nat.</p> -<p>“Not a spec’! Dis chile’s good fur one Injum. He’s mos’ -dead now. Take dat; durn ye,” and with a tremendous -whack on his adversary’s head, the negro rose to his feet. In -the excitement of the flight he had forgotten his cowardice -and fought with a purpose, and to a purpose, as his prostrate -foe showed.</p> -<p>“We’d better be gittin out o’ this,” remarked the trapper, -as he coolly replaced his knife. “It’s noways likely these are -all thar is about. And in view of this fact, it might be as -well for us tew emigrate.”</p> -<p>Accordingly the two men left the spot in silence, and with -great caution. The trapper well knew that the four Indians -were not alone, and that in all likelihood there was a large -party not far distant.</p> -<p>When near the cave they encountered Vic, who had sallied -out on hearing the firing, and together they entered the cavern.</p> -<p>“Are you all safe?” asked Kent, anxiously, as the tall form -of Wild Nat appeared from the passageway.</p> -<p>“Safe an’ sound,” responded the trapper, as the others entered.</p> -<p>“What was the trouble?” asked Kent.</p> -<p>“Wal, ye see,” said the trapper, with a sly twinkle, “Scip -war walkin’ peaceably ’long, when he war set upon by four -of the red niggers. Naterly enough, he didn’t like tew be -disturbed in a quiet walk, an’ he—wal, he hollered a few, an’ -I ’rived in time tew make the ’quaintance of three on ’em, an’ -he finished t’other one.”</p> -<p>“Guess he wished he hadn’t ’sturbed a peaceable nigger,” -said Scip, loftily.</p> -<p>“How’d ye come tew be down thar, when I told ye tew -wait in the gorge till I come?” asked Wild Nat, gravely.</p> -<p>The negro was taken slightly aback.</p> -<p>“I—wal—ye see—I—I got tired waitin’ fur ye, so I started -this way. I went slow, an’ knowed ye’d cotch me ’fore I got -here,” stammered the confused darkey.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_56">56</div> -<p>“Yas. Mought I ask what ye call goin’ fast, ef yer gait -was <i>slow</i>? I shouldn’t like tew run a race with ye ef <i>thet’s</i> a -slow gait with ye. Why didn’t ye hug thet feller thet ’peared -to ye thar in the gorge, ’stead o’ runnin’ like a streak o’ -lightnin’?” asked the trapper.</p> -<p>Scip stared. “I didn’t—I—I <i>never</i> run!” he ejaculated at -last. “Whar was you?”</p> -<p>“Wagh,” laughed Wild Nat. “I crept up thar an’ riz up -suddently afore ye. Reckon yer blood must be kinder stagnated -standin’ so long, an’ thought, a leetle exercise mought -be good for ye. Ha! ha!” and the trapper laughed till the -cave rung.</p> -<p>“’Twould ’a’ done ye good tew seen thet race,” he continued. -“I’ve seen locomotives runnin’ full steam down -grade, but it warn’t a cirkumstance ’long side o’ thet darkey! -He looked like a streak o’ greased lightnin’, an’ went about -as fast. Ef I could locomote in thet style, I wouldn’t look at -enny hoss thet ever lived. I’d give up trappin’ an’ go tew -carryin’ telegraff dispatches. ’Lectrical telegraff wouldn’t be -nowhar, for speed.”</p> -<p>And again the trapper indulged in a hearty laugh, in which -he was joined by the others, with one exception. Scip did -not seem to see where the laugh came in, and sat in somber -silence.</p> -<p>Shortly after this, they prepared for the night. Several -skins were spread down and quite a comfortable couch formed -for Marion, and the men stretched themselves out on the cave -floor.</p> -<p>The following day wore wearily away. About noon Vic -took his rifle and started out, saying:</p> -<p>“We’re ’bout out of grub, an’ I want tew stretch myself. -Don’t worry ’bout the red-skins. Ef they hear my gun, which -’tain’t likely they will, as it’s got the faculty of not soundin’ -off, they’ll know it’s a trapper or an Injun, an’ it’s the gal -they’re arter. Ef they git arter <i>me</i>, I’ll bet they’ll have a -chance tew measure sile.”</p> -<p>The cave was dreary enough. The only light was that afforded -by a torch, and as, of course, the inmates were doomed -to idleness, time passed rather slowly. Marion expressed a -wish to see the cave, and Kent procured a torch and led the -way, followed by Scip and the maid.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_57">57</div> -<p>“Will you come?” asked Kent of the trapper, who made -no movement to join them.</p> -<p>“No, guess not,” was the reply. “I’ve ’splored it often -’nough. Go ahead.”</p> -<p>The trio proceeded through the various rooms, wondering -and admiring the structure, and to Marion, who had never before -been in a cave, it was a wonderful place.</p> -<p>“One thing about this puzzles me,” said the young man, -holding the torch aloft, as they stood in the furthest apartment, -“and it is this. There is a slight circulation of air -through the cavern, very perceptible when the stone is removed -from the entrance; but there is no trace of an opening -anywhere. I have searched repeatedly without success.”</p> -<p>“This apartment is higher than the other,” said Marion. -“How gloomy it looks! Hold the torch this way, Wayne; -I fancy that spot looks peculiar. Ah! it is an opening!”</p> -<p>“True,” said Kent, “but it is high up. And the wall is on -such an angle that climbing is impossible. I regret it, as I -have some curiosity to know where it opens. It seems strange -that it should admit no light. It is at least twenty feet from -the floor.”</p> -<p>Having thoroughly explored that part of the cavern, the -party slowly retraced their steps to the first room. Vic had -returned, and the two trappers sat in a dejected attitude, which -struck Kent with a thrill of apprehension.</p> -<p>“What is the matter?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Ye look sort o’ down in de mouf,” said Scip, without -waiting for a reply. “Yer lubly countenances is drawed -down to a ’larming length. What’s up?”</p> -<p>“Matter enough,” said Vic, replying to Kent’s question. -“<i>The Injuns have discovered the cave, an’ we’re boxed up!</i>”</p> -<p>Marion sunk down pale with apprehension.</p> -<p>“Oh de Lor’!” ejaculated Scip, “<i>what’ll</i> we do?”</p> -<p>“How did it happen?” asked Kent.</p> -<p>“Wal,” said Vic, “it war in this way. I war ’way up the -creek two three miles, an’ I had a little bout with three copper-skins, -an’ worsted two on ’em an’ t’other one took leg-bail. -I kep’ a sharp look-out, an’ I’m powerful sartin there -warn’t any o’ ’em follered me, but the fact is, the <i>woods is full -of ’em</i>. I seen more’n forty signs. I come back here an’ -<span class="pb" id="Page_58">58</span> -hadn’t been here long when I heerd a noise at the doorway -thar. I jest peeked out of the passage, an’ thar war a pesky -red-skin peekin’ in! I got my gun up a leetle the quickest, -but the imp see’d me an’ drawed back, an’ slammed the stun -down in a jiffy. Then we heerd them jabberin’ out thar, an’ -hootin’ an’ yellin’.”</p> -<p>“That must have been the noise I heard when in the further -cave,” remarked Kent. “It was so faint I supposed it -was Nat, and thought no more about it. If there was only -another outlet to the place! We discovered a small opening -in the last apartment, but it is twenty feet from the floor, and -can not be reached.”</p> -<p>“Why?” asked Nat, “can’t we climb?”</p> -<p>“Law,” put in Scip, “the wall slants toward the middle -of the room at the top. It’s like clim’in’ the underside of a -ladder that’s set slantin’. Can’t be done, <i>no</i>how.”</p> -<p>At the close of this scientific explanation, the trapper started -up, and taking the torch, said:</p> -<p>“I’m goin’ tew see. Come, Kent.”</p> -<p>The young man followed, but in ten minutes they returned, -saying that it would be impossible to escape through there, -even if it led to the outer air, which was by no means certain.</p> -<p>“It’s entirely unpossible to reach thet hole,” said Wild -Nat, throwing down the torch he held. “It can’t be done. -We’re in a trap, thet’s sartin. We mought dig out ef the -mountain warn’t so all-fired steep. As it is thar’s no chance -tew come out fur enough from the alligators tew escape unseen; -an’ thet ain’t the worst on’t nuther. Ninety-nine -chances out’n a hundred, thet we’d come tew rocks thet would -stop our tunnel.”</p> -<p>“It’s a tight place,” said Vic. “Fur’s I’m concerned, I -shouldn’t mind runnin’ out thar an’ fightin’ my way, or die -tryin’ it, but the gal’s a different matter.”</p> -<p>“Then I suppose we must content ourselves to stay here -and starve,” said Kent. “Of course the Indians will stay -here.”</p> -<p>“In <i>coorse</i>,” said Vic, “but then, <i>suthin’</i> may turn up. -We won’t give up anyhow. Be ye purty courageous, Marion?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_59">59</div> -<p>“I can stand it as long as any one,” she returned, bravely.</p> -<p>“Thet’s the talk!” said Vic. “Thar’s no danger of starvin’ -for three days anyhow. This buffler-hump an’ haunch of venison -will last thet long, an’ meantime we can use our wits tew -find a way tew git out.”</p> -<p>The rest of the day passed slowly enough. None of the -captives felt very cheerful, and but for their serious situation, -Scip’s lamentations would have been ludicrous. He wished -he had never come among “the Injuns,” and declared if he -“ever got among white folks ag’in, guess nobody’d cotch him -runnin’ ’round among wild Injuns!”</p> -<p>Night came at last, and the inmates of the cave retired as -usual, with the exception of Wild Nat, who acted as sentinel. -He took his station near the passage, and with old “Roarer,” -across his knees, kept watch through the long night.</p> -<p>It was nearly morning, being the “darkest hour just before -dawn,” when the hardy trapper, who had not once closed -his eyes, heard a slight sound near the entrance of the passage. -Instantly he was on the alert, and with ear strained, -and eyes wide open, bent slightly forward, peering into the -darkness.</p> -<p>The grating sound continued a moment, then a faint ray -of light pierced the obscurity, and the outlines of a man’s -head and shoulders appeared. In another moment the loud -report of a rifle reverberated through the cavern, and with a -howl of pain the form disappeared.</p> -<p>“Wagh!” chuckled the trapper, dropping the butt of his -rifle to the ground. “Guess <i>thet</i> feller won’t have any call -to ’splore this ’ere vicinity jest at the present speakin’. Reckon -thar was an idee struck him—or suthin’ else!</p> -<p>“All unanam’us!” he continued, as the sleeping men sprung -up with exclamations of surprise, and the startled Marion -asked what the matter was. “All right; I jest had occasion -tew deal out justice tew a feller that was tryin’ tew sneak in -without a pass! I sot as judge an’ jewry, an’ convicted -the chap of evil intentions, an’ abated him, as a common nu’sance.”</p> -<p>“Zac’kly so,” said Vic. “I shouldn’t ’spose they’d be sich -fools as tew think we’d sleep with both eyes shet. Guess -they think we’re <i>green</i>.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_60">60</div> -<p>“Reckon they’ll find we’ve got our eye-teeth cut,” said -Wild Nat, as he rammed down a bullet.</p> -<p>“Oh, golly,” sighed Scip, “I wish I war safe in the States. -’Tain’t no fun ’tall, to fight Injuns.”</p> -<p>“I wish we were safe out of here,” said Kent, with an involuntary -glance at Marion.</p> -<p>“I’m with ye thar,” said Vic, emphatically. “Freeze me -ef I ain’t.”</p> -<p>“I wouldn’t mind it so much ef ’twarn’t for the gal,” said -Wild Nat, in a low tone, “tho’ in course, I hain’t enny hankerin’ -tew starve in here. My motter is, ’plenty of br’iled -buffler-hump, an’ onlimited liberty.’”</p> -<p>The Indians were evidently satisfied with their attempt, for -they made no further movement. Dawn soon came, but -brought no change to the imprisoned party. The day wore -on, noon followed morning, and evening noon, as Kent’s -watch showed; and still there was no change. Immured in -the bowels of the mountain, afar in the vast wilderness, with -no human being who knew of their situation, save their merciless -foes outside, how could they hope for aught save death?</p> -<h2 id="c8"><span class="small">CHAPTER VIII.</span> -<br />THE LAST HOPE.</h2> -<p>It was the morning of the fourth day since the Indians -had discovered the cave. The beleaguered whites had repeatedly -endeavored to reach the opening in the last cavern, -and had dug a tunnel in two directions, but were stopped both -times after going a short distance by immense rocks. Their -food was very nearly consumed, in spite of the fact that they -had placed themselves on limited rations.</p> -<p>Vic, Wild Nat and Scip were prowling about the various -rooms, endeavoring for the hundredth time, to discover some -mode of escape, while in the outer cavern Marion and Kent, -sat engaged in conversation.</p> -<p>“I could meet death bravely for myself,” Kent was saying, -<span class="pb" id="Page_61">61</span> -“but for you to die in such a fearful manner, away in this -wilderness—oh, my darling, it is so hard!”</p> -<p>Marion looked up with a brave smile.</p> -<p>“Death will not seem hard, knowing that you love me,” -she said, simply. “We will go together.”</p> -<p>He bent and kissed her.</p> -<p>“God bless you!” he said.</p> -<p>Silence fell between them then, broken by the entrance of -Wild Nat, followed by the others. The tall form of the old -hunter looked taller and more lank than ever, as he strode into -the room and sat down with a sort of snort.</p> -<p>“This ’ere thin’ is gittin’ ruther tiresome,” he said, giving -his speech emphasis by a series of nods. “I’ll be teetotally -flumbustercated ’fore very long. <i>Wouldn’t</i> I jist like tew git -a chance at them yaller-skinned coots out yonder! I’ll bet -my jack-knife ag’in a chunk of lead, thet they’d wish they’d -died years ago! Fact is,” went on the hunter, with a benignant -grin, “I don’t believe it agrees with me tew not have -’nough tew eat. Some folks may git along ’ithout grub, but -I sw’ar I can’t! My constertution ain’t adapted, so tew speak, -tew livin’ on air. It ain’t, I vum!”</p> -<p>“Nor me nuther,” said Scip, lugubriously. “I hain’t had -a square meal in four days. I can’t live on nuffin, an’ dar’s -no use in t’inkin’ ob it. Ef I can’t hab suffin eatable ’fore -long I shell be dwindled away to a skilleton. I wished I’d -nebber come West.”</p> -<p>“We have heard nothing of the Indians since day before -yesterday,” said Kent. “Is it not possible that they may have -left?”</p> -<p>“Humph!” said Vic, who sat near; “ef you knowed ’em -as well as I dew, ye wouldn’t think of sich a thing. They -are layin’ low, in hopes thet we’ll be fools enough tew think -they’re gone, an’ come out. A tomahawk waits for the fust -man thet shows his head.”</p> -<p>Scip noticed Kent’s remark, but did not hear Vic’s reply, -and appeared to be busily considering the chances of such -a thing.</p> -<p>“Like ’nough dey have gone,” he said, after a little; -“’twouldn’t do no hurt to see.”</p> -<p>“Wal,” said Vic, “s’posen ye go out an’ see.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_62">62</div> -<p>“Oh Lor’!” ejaculated Scip, “I can’t. S’pose dey was dar, -whar’d I be? You g’long!”</p> -<p>“Wal,” said Vic, “I’m about caved in for want of some -grub, an’ we are all in the same fix. I’m a-goin’ tew take -jist one more tower of this honeycomb, an’ see ef I can’t find -a hole out. Ef I can’t, we’ll begin another tunnel. We -won’t stop tryin’; it’s root hog or die.”</p> -<p>“It is useless to try to find an opening,” remarked Kent. -“We have searched over and again, and had there been one -we must have found it.”</p> -<p>Vic took a survey of the cave, however, as he had done a -dozen times before, and without success.</p> -<p>“Now, then,” he said, “let’s dig another tunnel. It’s -doubtful, but thar’s a chance for success. Let’s begin here.”</p> -<p>It was with hope at a very low ebb that the men began the -work. Their success had been so poor hitherto, that they -were beginning to despair. One man worked at a time, and -in order to advance as rapidly as possible they changed every -twenty minutes, and the digger fell back to help to remove -the dirt. For instance, Vic dug, pushing the dirt a little behind -him. Scip came next, who pushed the dirt still further -back to Kent, who advanced it to Wild Nat, whose business -it was to keep the mouth of the hole clear. In this way they -progressed rapidly, and in four hours had tunneled the distance -of eighteen feet. Hope now began to rise. The soil -was quite easily removed with their knives, and they had as -yet experienced no difficulty with stones.</p> -<p>“We’re gittin’ along purty well,” remarked Wild Nat, as -he industriously plunged his knife in the soil. “At this rate— Hello!”</p> -<p>His knife had struck something that sounded like stone. -A gloom fell on the little party at the sound. Without a -word the trapper continued his work, and in a moment the -cause stood revealed. A huge rock—how large it was impossible -to tell—obstructed the tunnel, and effectually cut off all -hope in that direction. Dead silence reigned for a moment; -then:</p> -<p>“Couldn’t we dig round it?” suggested Kent, eagerly.</p> -<p>“Not much use to try,” said Vic.</p> -<p>“We’ll see,” said Wild Nat.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_63">63</div> -<p>They fell to work with a will. Fifteen minutes’ effort -proved that it was impossible, and the work was abandoned. -With sinking hearts the men returned to the cave to relate -to the waiting Marion the result of their undertaking.</p> -<p>“Wal, what next?” said Vic, throwing himself at full length -on the cave-floor.</p> -<p>No one replied. “Next” looked very much like starvation -to all. Silence reigned for some time, then Kent said:</p> -<p>“I propose that we take some method to find out if the Indians -are really there yet.”</p> -<p>“In course they be,” said Wild Nat; “but it’ll do no hurt -tew see.”</p> -<p>There was a stout stick in the cave about six feet in length. -Taking this, the old trapper walked into the passageway.</p> -<p>“Stand behind me, Vic, and be reddy to shoot the first -critter ye see. Stand out of sight, the rest of ye.”</p> -<p>The trapper then advanced, closely followed by Vic, till he -could reach the entrance by means of the pole he held. Then -he took off his cap and hung it on the end of the stick, and -pushed gently against the stone. It gave way after a moment, -and the trapper pushed his pole forward till the top of the cap -was in sight from outside. Silence followed, and he advanced -it a few inches. Instantly a wild whoop rent the air, and -half a dozen tomahawks were buried in the cap, as the savages -dashed forward to the opening. One of the Indians exposed -his person to view, and instantly Vic sent a bullet into -him. The howl that followed proved that the wound was fatal. -Wild Nat instantly drew back his stick, and the half-raised -stone fell back to its place, while the two trappers -backed into the cave.</p> -<p>“That’s over,” said Vic, “an’ jist as I told ye. Thar’s one -red-skin less tew dance over our bodies, an’ thet’s one comfort.”</p> -<p>“I’m clean dun starved,” said Scip, after a pause, with a -sidelong glance toward the little pile of dried buffalo-meat, all -that remained of their provisions.</p> -<p>“Wal,” said Wild Nat, “so be we all, an’ as it’s now purty -near night, I don’t know but we mought as well finish the -meat. We may as well eat while thar’s vittals, as thar’s only -<span class="pb" id="Page_64">64</span> -’nough for one meal anyway, an’ not half a one at thet. Fall -to!”</p> -<p>The half-starved party needed no second bidding, and in a -short time the last morsel had vanished.</p> -<p>“Marion,” said Vic, “yer as near starved as eny of us, an’ -ye don’t say a word. Yer the bravest gal I ever see’d.”</p> -<p>“No use in complaining, when it’s unavoidable,” she said, -with a faint smile.</p> -<p>“Wal,” said Wild Nat, “I’ve got one more idee. Ef thet -fails, then good-by tew Betsey. Our epertaphs is writ!”</p> -<p>“What’s the thin’ tew be done?” asked Vic, while the -others listened eagerly for the reply.</p> -<p>“Ye all know thet hole in the furder cave? Wal, we’ve -tried tew reach it an’ couldn’t. Now, in place of rocks an’ -thin’s to stan’ on, which we hain’t got, only ’nough in all tew -reach ’bout seven feet, tharfore I purpose tew let ’em reach -thet fur, an’ thet two of us, Vic an’ I, as we’re tallest, stan’ on -thar, an’ one of ye climb up on us an’ reach thet hole. It kin -be done, an’ it shell.”</p> -<p>“And if we could get out there, no more of us than two -could go, and Marion not at all,” said Kent.</p> -<p>“In course not, but, ef it goes to the outer world, I’ll go -an’ git some game, an’ throw in for ye tew eat while I’m gone, -an’ then I’ll p’int for somewhar arter help, ef I can’t dew no -better. But ef I kin git out thar I’ll soon find a way tew git -ye all out. Make a bark ladder or something like it, tew -climb on. Whar thar’s a will thar’s a way. It only remains -tew be seen ef one of us kin git out. So no more jabber till -thet’s decided.”</p> -<p>Wild Nat and Scip repaired to the spot, leaving Kent to -watch, lest the Indians should suddenly make a dash into the -cave, of which, however, there was little danger.</p> -<p>The men first piled up all the rocks and stones they could -find in the cavern, and when completed the platform was between -seven and eight feet high.</p> -<p>“Now then, Scip,” said Wild Nat, “ye must climb on our -shoulders. Think ye kin do it?”</p> -<p>“Guess so,” responded the negro; “used to be great hand -to shin up de trees arter coons.”</p> -<p>The two trappers placed themselves side by side, in a convenient -<span class="pb" id="Page_65">65</span> -position, and, though Nathan was considerably taller -than Vic, an extra stone under the latter’s feet made up the -deficiency. Scip was an expert climber, and he soon stood -upright on their shoulders, whence he could reach the -hole.</p> -<p>“Now ’vestigate, an’ be quick,” said Wild Nat, as the negro -straightened himself up.</p> -<p>Scip ran his arm into the dark hole the whole length without -touching any thing. Then, having been given the torch, -he turned it so that the light should reveal the interior of -the passage. It seemed to be a long one—how long it was -impossible to say, since it extended beyond sight; but narrow, -so very narrow after the first two feet as to render it -impossible for a person to pass through.</p> -<p>Scip related these facts to the others, who were considerably -discouraged by his report.</p> -<p>“Is thar any light at the other end?” asked Vic.</p> -<p>“Not dat I can see,” replied Scip; “it’s jist as dark as a -pocket.”</p> -<p>“Try yer knife an’ see ef the rock can be cut,” said Wild -Nat.</p> -<p>“Can’t make no ’pression on it,” was the answer.</p> -<p>“Wal, git down then. <i>That’s</i> all bu’sted.”</p> -<p>Scip turned to descend, but, somehow, in the act he lost -his footing and rolled heavily down, striking the wall a hard -thump with his head, and bringing up on the floor of the -cave.</p> -<p>“Golly,” he muttered, rising to his feet, and rubbing himself -dolefully, “dat ar’ war a hard tumble. Like to broke my -skull.”</p> -<p>Wild Nat paid no attention to the negro’s complaints. He -was looking at the wall with a new idea. Jerking out his -tomahawk he hit the wall several times, and then jumped off -the platform with a subdued yell.</p> -<p>“Wagh!” he ejaculated, “thet are’s wuth a fortune. -Whoop!”</p> -<p>“What’s up?” queried Vic, who had been looking at Scip, -and had not noticed Nathan’s maneuver.</p> -<p>“Suthin’ wuth while,” responded the trapper; “jest hear -this, will ye?” and he tapped the wall a second time.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_66">66</div> -<p>“Varmints!” ejaculated Vic, “it’s holler!”</p> -<p>“In course it is, an’ thar’s a cave t’other side. Maybe -thar’s an openin’ out on’t tew. Ye see, the wall is limestone, -I s’pose. What d’ye think o’ thet?”</p> -<p>“Whar’s my knife?” replied Vic, rather irrelevantly. “Let’s -<i>dig</i>.”</p> -<p>All three fell to work resolutely. The limestone crumbled -away under their knives slowly but surely; slowly but surely -the cavity grew, till in fifteen minutes the point of Vic’s -knife went through with a plunge to the other side. This -was a fresh stimulus, and the knives flew fast. In a few -moments, during which no one spoke, an opening sufficiently -large to admit a man’s head was made; then Wild Nat took -the torch and thrust it through the hole, and by its light -anxiously surveyed the cavity. It was a room, about fifteen -feet in length, and of an oval shape. The trapper only -waited to take a hasty survey of the place, and then fell to -work again with renewed energy. In fifteen minutes more, -under their united efforts, the hole was sufficiently large to -allow them to pass through.</p> -<p>“We won’t bother to tell Kent and the little ’un, till we -see ef our molasses ain’t all soap,” said Wild Nat, as he -crawled into the room, followed by the others. Seeing that -there was an outlet to the room, the explorers did not wait -to examine it, but hurried forward into the passage. It was -a narrow, winding corridor, with damp, moldy walls, which -terminated in a series of small caves opening one into the -other by means of small openings at a little distance from the -floor.</p> -<p>The party gave a brief glance to each successive room -as they passed through, and soon reached the fifth and last -one of the series. Here they found another narrow passage, -differing from the other only in the fact that they appeared -to be steadily ascending.</p> -<p>“Best tew keep purty still,” said Vic, in reply to some remark -of Scip’s; “thar’s no knowin’ how clus we may be tew -the painted devils outside. Ef we’re only fortunate enough -tew— Varmints, thar’s a glimmer of daylight!”</p> -<p>The little party hurried forward, keeping as still as possible, -and soon reached the opening. A faint ray, only, of -<span class="pb" id="Page_67">67</span> -light entered, and Vic dropped beside the hole, and placing -his head as near as possible, listened attentively.</p> -<p>“Silent as the grave,” he said, after a moment. “I guess -we’re quite a ways from the mouth of t’other cave.”</p> -<p>He reached out his hand and tore away the weeds and -stones that obstructed the way, and then cautiously advanced -his head until he could see into the world beyond.</p> -<p>Twilight was settling down, but it was still light enough -to enable him to see that they were much further up the hill -than the entrance to the other cave, and some distance to the -left of it. He could not see the Indians at the mouth of the -cave, but could hear their voices. Taking a closer look of -the place, he recognized it, and knew they were about a hundred -yards from the other cave mouth; Deep Creek flowed -tranquilly along about forty feet below him.</p> -<p>“We’re all right,” he whispered, as he drew back and -Wild Nat took his place. “As soon as it’s dark we’ll bid -adoo to this hole, an’ turn toes for Fort Laramie. We’ll hev -tew keep powerful still, an’ work our passage with shut-off -steam, or we’ll hev a score of red devils arter us in jest no -time.”</p> -<p>“Look here,” said Nat, as he concluded his survey, “ye see -it’s gittin’ dark fast. In half an hour it’ll be as dark as a -pocket. Tharfore ye go back an’ tell Kent an’ Marion, an’ -git reddy tew tramp, an’ I’ll stay here, an’ purty shortly go -out to the gulch whar the animiles war hid, an’ git them ef -the reds hasn’t made off with ’em.”</p> -<p>“Tain’t likely the hosses is disturbed, as the reds wouldn’t -take ’em till they cl’ared the kitchen for good, an’ they hain’t -done thet yit.”</p> -<p>“Ye know whar that all-fired big cottonwood leans over -the creek?” added Wild Nat. “Wal, steer for thar as soon -as it’s dark. I won’t be fur off. Signal, owl’s hoot.”</p> -<p>Vic nodded, and started for the first cave, followed by -Scip.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div> -<h2 id="c9"><span class="small">CHAPTER IX.</span> -<br />HO-HO! AND AWAY!</h2> -<p>The lovers were beginning to wonder at the long absence -of their friends, and both anxiously awaited their return.</p> -<p>“What success?” asked Wayne, eagerly, as Vic entered.</p> -<p>“Knives is trumps!” replied Vic, “or I’m a knave. -We’ve found a way out, so jist pack up yer duds an’ prepare -to slide.”</p> -<p>Intensely delighted they were soon ready, and in half an -hour Vic thought it was dark enough to start. Accordingly -they left the scene of their troubles, and threaded the damp -passages and low caverns to the other entrance.</p> -<p>“Keep powerful still,” admonished the trapper, as they -neared the outside. “Don’t speak after we reach the open -air, an’ walk mighty keerful; thar’s no tellin’ how clus the -Injuns are. Varmints, but it’s a dark night! So much the -better for us; now keep still.”</p> -<p>The trapper cautiously left the cave, followed by the others. -When once outside Vic took the lead, and the others kept -close to him, and in most profound silence they shaped their -course toward the spot designated by Wild Nat.</p> -<p>A considerable time elapsed before they reached the leaning -cottonwood. Wild Nat was not there, somewhat to Vic’s -surprise and uneasiness, and the party quickly secreted themselves -in the dense bushes near, so that, in case any straggling -Indian came that way, they would be secure. Vic waited in -some suspense for ten minutes, and then as the trapper was -still absent, he concluded to give the signal.</p> -<p>Twice the long, solemn hoot of the owl rose on the air, so -perfectly natural that Kent was surprised, and then, in a -moment, came the answering hoot, thrice repeated, away to -the left.</p> -<p>“All right!” said Vic; “he’ll soon be here.”</p> -<p>Ten more minutes passed, and then, clear and sweet, -only a few yards distant, sounded the night-bird’s note, -<span class="pb" id="Page_69">69</span> -“Whippowil! whippowil!” in quick succession, twice repeated.</p> -<p>“Keep still!” admonished Vic; “I’m goin’ tew see what’s -wanted. Thet’s Nat.”</p> -<p>The trapper dropped on his hands and knees, and crawled -away. The trio in the thicket waited with intense solicitude -for his return, but so silent was his approach, that he stood -beside them before they were aware of it.</p> -<p>“All right!” he whispered. “He’s got the hosses up -here a few rods away, an’ we must go to ’em. Come on.”</p> -<p>Again in silence the little party took up the line of march, -and, piloted by Vic, soon arrived at the spot, where, close to -the edge of the creek, stood the trapper and the horses.</p> -<p>“Mount,” he whispered, as they came up. “I’ve confiskated -a Blackfoot’s animile, an’ as I dunno what sort of a kitten it -is, I’ll ride it, an’ let Marion hev mine. Up with ye, little -’un!”</p> -<p>A moment sufficed for them all to mount, and then they -started under the guidance of Wild Nat, who rode at once -into the creek.</p> -<p>“Where ye goin’—” began Scip.</p> -<p>“Keep still,” ordered the hunter, “ef ye want tew keep yer -skulp. Don’t splash the water so.”</p> -<p>All advanced with as much silence as possible. The very -horses seemed to use caution, and all went well. Wild Nat -followed down the stream for the distance of about four -miles, determined to balk their enemies if possible. No -alarm was heard behind them to indicate that their absence -had been discovered, and they cherished strong hopes of escaping -without detection and pursuit.</p> -<p>At the end of four miles the trapper led the way out of -the creek, taking the left bank and heading his horse in a -north-east direction. Considerable care was taken for some -distance to cover the trail, but when a mile from the creek, -the party abandoned the precaution as no longer necessary, -and increased their hitherto slow pace to a gallop.</p> -<p>The darkness which had thus far been dense began to -show signs of lifting. The clouds rolled away and allowed -the stars to shine, and the dim light thus afforded enabled -<span class="pb" id="Page_70">70</span> -the fugitives to see their way. For several miles they continued -their pace, and it was only when the cave was a good -ten miles behind, that Wild Nat slackened his speed, and -broke the silence which had thus far reigned undisturbed, -save for his laconic directions given at intervals.</p> -<p>“Thar,” he remarked, letting the reins fall loosely on his -horse’s neck, while the others imitated his example, and all -subsided into a walk. “Thar, I guess we’re about safe as fur -as <i>them</i> Injuns is concerned. I flatter myself that they don’t -foller us very easy. Ef we don’t run afoul of another batch -on ’em, we’ll stan’ a good chance of gittin’ off.”</p> -<p>“Golly!” ejaculated Scip. “I wish we could git somethin’ -to eat. I’m jest clean starved.”</p> -<p>“Of course! Who ever knew a nigger that had enough?” -responded Vic. “Wait till it’s light. I ain’t filled tew overflowing -with vittals myself, and mean tew walk into a butcher-shop -soon.”</p> -<p>“How did you contrive to get the horses, Nat?” asked Kent.</p> -<p>“Oh, I jest went round kinder cautious, an’ found they’s -thar whar we placed ’em, an’ then I scouted round an’ see’d -thet the reds warn’t near enough to hear, an’ led ’em out. -Ez I couldn’t take but one at a time, it took me quite a spell, -but arter I got our four out, an’ safe in a thicket, I jest detarmined -tewr have another one. So I begun lookin’ round, an’ -I found the Injuns’ hosses out a piece from the creek, an’ jest -quietly took one on ’em. I reckon they’ll blow <i>some</i> when -they find we’ve gone an’ took the best hoss they had, but thet -won’t disturb us in pertic’lar.”</p> -<p>“It’s rather remarkable that they hadn’t found ours before -this time, isn’t it?” asked Kent.</p> -<p>“Wal, no, I dunno as ’tis,” replied Nat. “Ye see, thet’s -a plaguey neat place tew put ’em. Ye can’t git in only one -way, an’ thet’s rather on t’other side from the cave. Gallinippers, -but the hosses war glad tew see me! Every one of ’em -showed they war glad to see somebody ag’in.”</p> -<p>“I’m all-fired mad tew think thet the pesky varmints hev -discovered thet cave,” said Vic. “It’s teetotally tew bad. -Now it’s jest gittin’ in the edge of the best trappin’ time, an’ -tew hev them upset our plans in this way is enough tew rile -anybody.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_71">71</div> -<p>“What direction are we going?” asked Marion.</p> -<p>“North-east,” replied Wild Nat. “We’ll strike the emigrant -trail a leetle arter sunrise, ef we hev good luck.”</p> -<p>Steadily throughout the night the little party kept on, and -at sunrise reached the Sweetwater river. This they forded, -and half an hour later they struck the trail, a little further -down the river.</p> -<p>“Halt here for breakfast,” said Wild Nat, stopping in the -edge of the woods, and slipping the saddle off his horse. -“We’re ready ’nough for it, I guess.”</p> -<p>“Yes, but whar’s the vittals?” asked Scip.</p> -<p>“Can’t ye see them ducks yender by the river?” asked -Vic. “We’ll hev some of them ef nothin’ else turns up.”</p> -<p>The whole party now dismounted. Nat proceeded to care -for the animals and prepare a fire, while Vic and Kent took -their rifles, and started toward the river.</p> -<p>Marion wandered about the edge of the grove, and plucked -a few wild-flowers with the dew still on their bright petals, -half forgetting her hunger in her admiration of the lovely -scene before her.</p> -<p>The sun was just up, and the cool green woods were deliciously -fresh and pleasant, with the dew on the leaves and -grass, while the birds burst out in trills of melody among the -branches. A squirrel ran along her pathway, stopping a moment -to turn his head on one side, and scan her with his little -bright eyes, and then with a “chit-er-e-e,” was off among the -bushes.</p> -<p>Over the river the flocks of ducks rose and fell, and merrily -through the forest rung the echoes of the hunters’ guns, showing -they were not idle.</p> -<p>As she stood contemplating the scene, Scip loudly called -her, and going to him she found him sitting on the ground, -close up to the hollow end of a fallen tree, with something in -his hands. He evidently was pleased, for his capacious mouth -was stretched in a broad grin, showing at least twenty-four of -his thirty-two glistening ivories.</p> -<p>“Yah, yah! Jest see here, Miss Marion.”</p> -<p>“What is it?” asked Marion, curiously, as she approached.</p> -<p>“Chickens,” responded Scip, holding up to view the mother -partridge, and then cautiously withdrawing himself from the -<span class="pb" id="Page_72">72</span> -log, he revealed to Marion’s admiring gaze a nest full of -downy chicks and one or two eggs.</p> -<p>“How pretty!” she exclaimed, admiringly. “But how did -you catch them, Scip? I always thought they would -run.”</p> -<p>“Dey would,” replied Scip, with a chuckle, “only ye see -dey couldn’t. As I’s comin’ ’long I jist see her settin’ here, -and grabbed her ’fore ye could wink. Den as I sot ag’in’ de -log, why ob course de chicks couldn’t git out.”</p> -<p>“They are frightened,” said Marion, touching one of the -downy backs. “Let the mother go, Scip, and come away.”</p> -<p>“Y-e-s,” replied Scip, hesitatingly; “but I’s hungry, Miss -Marion.”</p> -<p>“Nonsense! You don’t want to kill the bird and let the -poor little ones starve?” said Marion. “Vic and Wayne will -get plenty of food. Do let her go.”</p> -<p>Scip rose rather reluctantly and released the bird, with a -longing look at her plump proportions, but getting a glimpse -of the sportsmen returning with hands full of game, he followed -Marion with alacrity.</p> -<p>“Jist look here, will ye?” said Vic, holding up to view a -brace of ducks and a large goose. “Don’t thet look like -eatin’?”</p> -<p>Kent followed with several more fowls, and they fell to -work to prepare them for cooking. Hunger made nimble fingers, -and in an incredibly short space of time half a dozen -birds were impaled on sticks around the fire, soon sending -forth the most appetizing odors. While the process of cooking -was going forward, Vic was digging in the woods near -and soon appeared with his hands full of white, fleshy-looking -roots, washed clean in the river, which he pronounced good to -eat, and the finely-browned birds being pronounced done by -Wild Nat, the hungry travelers hastened to discuss them. -The fowls were excellently flavored, and although in some -places hardly done and guiltless of salt, our friends were not -disposed to be particular, and it is doubtful if they ever ate -another meal that relished so well. The old proverb says: -“Hunger is the best sauce,” and in this case the half-starved -fugitives found it so.</p> -<p>“Wal, I ’low thet we’d orter be movin’,” said Vic, when -<span class="pb" id="Page_73">73</span> -the repast was over. “Thar’s no knowin’ how many of our -hospertable friends are arter us, an’ I, for one, hed jist as lief -git tew Fort Laramie ’fore they overtake us, as not.”</p> -<p>“Count me in dar,” said Scip. “I’ve had ’nough o’ <i>dem</i> -for once.”</p> -<p>The horses were caught and saddled, and once more they -were moving. Vic rode a few yards in advance, and Wild -Nat about the same distance in the rear. Sharp look-out was -kept for enemies, but, fortunately, none were seen, and the -rejoicing travelers kept on their way unmolested. It was no -part of their programme to dally by the way, that the Indians -might overtake them in case they were following, and they -traveled steadily, only stopping two hours at noon to allow -their tired horses to feed and rest. Meeting with no obstacles -and encountering no foes, their progress was rapid, and -sunset found them about seventy miles from Fort Laramie. -Here they encamped for the night, selecting a sort of grotto -in some rocks, where they would be sheltered from observation. -No one felt disposed to sit up “star-gazing,” and as -soon as it was dark they prepared to “turn in.” The most -sheltered situation was chosen for Marion, and a rude couch -formed by means of boughs and blankets. The men lay down -beside the fire, one remaining up to keep guard, and occasionally -changing with the others, that all might receive the sleep -so much needed.</p> -<h2 id="c10"><span class="small">CHAPTER X.</span> -<br />AN UNWELCOME VISITOR.</h2> -<p>Morning came clear and pleasant, and the travelers were -early astir preparing breakfast, and getting ready to resume -their journey.</p> -<p>“Grizzly ’round not long ’go,” said Vic, as he turned a huge -dice of meat before the fire.</p> -<p>“Indeed!” exclaimed Kent. “Why do you think there -was?”</p> -<p>“Seen his tracks,” replied Vic; “fresh, too.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_74">74</div> -<p>“I hope he is not near here now,” said Marion, involuntarily, -as the tales of the grizzly bear’s ferocity she had heard -flitted through her mind.</p> -<p>“Wal,” said Wild Nat, “I shouldn’t be s’prised ef he warn’t -more’n a hundred miles off. A grizzly ain’t a very nice playthin’. -I could tell some yarns about ’em thet would make ye -open yer peepers. They are jist the all-firedest, meanest thing -tew fight thet ever run. Take a big one an’ I’d ruther fight -twenty Pawnees single-handed, unless I’d got the advantage -of him. They’re jist the orneriest critters thet travels.”</p> -<p>“Thet’s a fact,” said Vic. “I hev an idee thet— Varmints, -thar’s the ole fellow himself!”</p> -<p>Every man grasped his gun and turned on the defensive, -as a huge grizzly bear suddenly appeared from behind the -rocks and bushes on the right. Marion shrunk back with a -white face, and stood watching his movements breathlessly.</p> -<p>He was a most majestic fellow, large and ferocious in appearance, -and evidently had no intention of leaving immediately. -Walking up toward them he stopped a few yards distant, -and raising his huge body on his hind legs, deliberately -surveyed the party before him.</p> -<p>“Oh, de Lord,” ejaculated Scip, “we’s all dead men.”</p> -<p>“Shet yer trap,” growled Wild Nat. “Down on yer knees, -all of ye an’ git yer knives out.”</p> -<p>The men all dropped as directed, and as the bear slowly -advanced, Wild Nat hastily removed the cap from his gun, -replacing it with a fresh one. The bear advanced to within -a few feet of them, licking his huge jaws, as if in anticipation -of a coming feast. Kent raised his rifle to fire.</p> -<p>“Hold thar,” exclaimed Nat; “don’t fire, for yer life! -Now, Vic!”</p> -<p>The bear was now close, and, raising himself, rushed forward -with a ferocious growl. At that moment, Vic drew his -attention by throwing his cap aside, and in the momentary -pause Wild Nat raised his rifle and fired both barrels into the -monster’s eye. With a fearful roar the grizzly pitched forward -and lay stretched lifeless on the ground.</p> -<p>“Thet war a neat little transacktion,” said the trapper, -coolly surveying the beast, “an’ we ’scaped bein’ strung tew -mince-meat by it. It war a good shot.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_75">75</div> -<p>“Why did you tell me not to fire?” asked Kent.</p> -<p>“Why? Beavers an’ catamounts! Ef ye’d fired, ye’d ’a’ -bin dead in tew minnits. <i>You’d</i> have aimed at his head, an’ -ye mought as well try tew shoot through one of them ’ere -rocks as tew try tew kill a grizzly by shootin’ his head. Ye -can’t dew it nohow. It jist maddens ’em an’ then thar’s -lively times. I had a grizzly chase me once.”</p> -<p>“Golly,” ejaculated Scip, “I bet I’d run!”</p> -<p>“Humph,” said Wild Nat, contemptuously, “ye mought -run an’ be hanged. Much good it would do ye. I had a -dorg in them days, an’ by virtew of his sooperior powers as -an animile, I managed tew sarcumvent the critter. He war -a powerful animile, thet dorg war. He’d run a leetle the -fastest of any thin’ out. Lay to: this meat’s done.”</p> -<p>“What sort of a dog?” asked Scip, as he obeyed the trapper’s -orders.</p> -<p>“Hound,” replied Nat; “he’d ketch a live deer in forty -rods when the deer had ten rods the start. Howsomever,” -added the trapper, “thar war one disadvantage about him. -He’d git tired. After a run of ten miles he war clean tired -out. But, he would go like lightnin’. Take it on open -ground an’ he couldn’t well be beat. It’s dangerous runnin’ -dorgs in the woods. Bill Stevens hed a splendid hound thet -would jist measure sile tew beat all. When thet critter got -a-goin’ it war hard tellin’ what he war, for all ye could see -war a streak, an’ I’ve seen a streak ahind thet dorg twenty -yards long, he went so fast; ’peared like he spread over thet -distance like a komit’s tail, ye know. But his speed war the -’casion of a great catastrophe, to him. Howsomever, it war a -gain in the long run.”</p> -<p>“What was it?” asked Kent, laughing, as the trapper -paused to help himself to another piece of meat.</p> -<p>“It happened in this way. We war out huntin’ one day, -an’ got arter a deer. It war in the woods, an’ the dorg got -his eye on the game an’ war jist streakin’ it over the ground, -an’ bein’ so engaged he didn’t notice whar he war goin’ an’ so -happened tew run ag’in a tree an’ split him clean in two, length-ways. -Bill jist run up an’ grabbed up the pieces, an’ clapped -’em together, an’ the dorg started on. As he started, Bill see’d -the mistake he’d made, but it war too late then. In his hurry -<span class="pb" id="Page_76">76</span> -he’d clapped the dorg together so two legs war up an’ two -down, an’ though he felt sorry at the time, he see in a short -time thet it war a great advantage, for when two of his legs -got tired the dorg jist whipped over on t’other two, an’ kep’ -on same as ever.”</p> -<p>Shouts of laughter greeted the recital of this extraordinary -occurrence, but the trapper never relaxed his grave aspect, -standing with the utmost gravity amid the peals of laughter -which convulsed the remainder of the company, apparently -unconscious that he had said any thing particularly funny or -incredible.</p> -<p>“See here, Nat,” said Wayne, as Vic proceeded to cut off -some portions of the bear-meat, “why did you order us to -drop on our knees before you fired?”</p> -<p>“For this,” said the trapper. “I warn’t sure how the -beast would act. Thet’s the Injin way of doin’. All git on -their knees, an’ when the grizzly comes up one of ’em tackles -him, an’ thet draws his attention, an’ then the others pile on -tew him, an’ he’s gener’ly dispatched ’thout any one gittin’ ser’usly -hurt. It’s all the way ye kin do when ye don’t hev -guns, or a chance to use ’em ef ye do hev ’em.”</p> -<p>“Exactly,” replied Kent. “I understand now, but it -strikes me I shouldn’t like to have a battle with one every -day.”</p> -<p>“No more should I. But it’s ’bout time we war on the -move, I reckon. It’s gittin’ late,” said Vic, rising to his -feet.</p> -<p>“Thet’s so,” exclaimed Wild Nat; “so let’s tew hoss. -Come on, Kent.”</p> -<p>Ten minutes later they were on their way.</p> -<p>It was a beautiful day, with an unusually clear atmosphere, -and the tops of the distant mountains shone blue through the -haze. Their way lay through a pleasant country, and, as they -were gradually leaving the regions of the mountains, the timber -increased in plenty and variety. Toward morning they -came in view of Laramie Peak, while far to the south-east -rose the dark summits of the Black Hills.</p> -<p>“How far distant is Fort Laramie?” asked Marion, as she -gazed through the blue distance toward the hills.</p> -<p>“’Bout twenty miles,” replied Vic. “We hain’t made a -<span class="pb" id="Page_77">77</span> -very big journey to-day. Got started too late. Howsomever, -we’ll git thar in purty good season to-morrow.”</p> -<p>“Gallinippers!” ejaculated Wild Nat, suddenly, in a suppressed -tone. “Thar’s Injuns!”</p> -<p>“Where?” was the simultaneous question from the startled -party.</p> -<p>“Thar!” replied Wild Nat, pointing toward the north-west -with his right hand.</p> -<p>Four pair of eyes examined the horizon in the direction indicated, -but two only saw what they sought. Vic, sharper -sighted than the others, at once detected the enemy.</p> -<p>“Where are they, Vic?” queried Marion, shading her eyes -with her hand, and gazing earnestly away toward the point -indicated. “I can see nothing.”</p> -<p>“Look here,” said Vic. “Ye see thet hill ’way yonder? -Wal, jist tew the left of that ye can see—if yer eyes are -sharp—a lot of leetle dark movin’ objects. Them’s ’em.”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes! But how far distant they are. Mere specks on -the horizon,” said the fair girl, as she watched them.</p> -<p>“Humph! It won’t take ’em long to git nearer,” said Vic, -“but as we’re purty clus to the fort I don’t feel very uneasy. -They hain’t seen us; we are a small party, ye know. Move -on!”</p> -<p>The march was resumed and they were soon out of sight -of their dreaded enemy. Sunset found them about twelve -miles from the fort, when they concluded to pass the night, -as their animals gave evidence of considerable fatigue. They -had not allowed them much time to feed or rest since morning, -and a good camping-spot being found, they prepared for -the night’s repose. The spot selected was in a small clump -of timber, through which ran a clear, purling brook. A fire -was kindled beside a fallen trunk, some meat for supper roasted, -and then the little camp relapsed into slumber.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div> -<h2 id="c11"><span class="small">CHAPTER XI.</span> -<br />THE LAST OF EARTH.</h2> -<p>It was near morning when Kent was awakened by a hand -on his shoulder and a gentle shake.</p> -<p>Starting up, half asleep, he asked in a whisper:</p> -<p>“What is wanting?”</p> -<p>“Git up,” was the reply, in the well-known voice of Nathan -Rogers. “<i>Thar’s Injuns clus at hand, an’ we can only -save ourselves by slidin’!</i>”</p> -<p>Wide enough awake now, the young man rose to his feet, -and saw that Vic stood near, with the horses ready saddled.</p> -<p>“How close are they?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Not forty rods off,” was the startling reply, “an’ we’ve -got to be off at once.”</p> -<p>Stepping along a few feet to where Marion lay in innocent -slumber, Kent stooped and touched her arm.</p> -<p>“Marion,” he whispered, gently, “Marion, awake.”</p> -<p>The girl moved uneasily, and the loved voice mingling with -her dreams, she murmured:</p> -<p>“Wayne, dear Wayne. Oh, be careful! They will kill -you if they discover you. Have a care!”</p> -<p>“Poor child,” murmured her lover, “even her dreams are -haunted by the thought of our foes. Marion,” he added, -louder, “awake.”</p> -<p>She started up in affright, and collecting her scattered -senses, asked what was wanted.</p> -<p>“We are forced to continue our journey,” answered Kent; -“the Indians are near enough to render our presence here -dangerous.”</p> -<p>She sprung to her feet, frightened but calm.</p> -<p>“Wayne,” she said, steadily, “you do not tell me all. I -am not afraid. How near are they?”</p> -<p>“Forty or fifty rods,” was the answer. “We must make -haste. Are you ready?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_79">79</div> -<p>He assisted her to mount, the other three men being already -in the saddle, and then springing to his seat, they were -off.</p> -<p>It was dark—so dark that they were in some danger of encountering -foes, or making some noise that might betray them; -but, the dexterity of the old trapper carried them safely to -the edge of the plain, where they halted a moment to make -sure of their bearings.</p> -<p>“All right, this way,” said Wild Nat, in a suppressed -voice, as he led the way in the darkness. “Keep powerful -still.”</p> -<p>Fortunately, the trapper’s expertness and knowledge of -woodcraft enabled them to avoid the Indians, who were lurking -on the opposite side of the timber, unaware, as yet, of -the proximity of the whites.</p> -<p>Silently the little band, led by Wild Nat, kept on in the -darkness, and were soon two miles distant from the grove, -and under the shelter of some low hills and timber. The -east was beginning to grow light, and morning would soon -be there. They kept on at a sharp trot for a few miles, the -darkness slowly lifting till the eastern horizon was bathed in -rosy light, and the last shadows of the night vanished in the -west.</p> -<p>A desultory conversation was maintained by the rest, in -which Wild Nat did not join. He appeared unusually grave -and preoccupied. Marion watched him furtively, and at -length thinking his grave demeanor caused by apprehensions -of danger from the Indians, she spoke to him.</p> -<p>“What is it, Nathan? Is there great danger?”</p> -<p>“No, guess not,” he replied, absently. Then rousing himself -to consider her question, he continued: “Probably they’ll -find our trail, but I guess we’ll be near enough the fort tew -distance ’em. Shan’t worry, anyway.”</p> -<p>An animated discussion of the probabilities of their being -pursued sprung up, while the trapper relapsed into his former -gravity and silence.</p> -<p>Mile after mile detached itself from the distance, and -stretched itself away behind them, until only a few remained -between them and their destination, when, suddenly, a long -shout reached them, and looking back they beheld a slight -<span class="pb" id="Page_80">80</span> -eminence about half a mile distant, covered with a war-party -of Indians.</p> -<p>“We’re in for it,” muttered Wild Nat. “Forrard all!”</p> -<p>The fugitives quickened their pace at once, and whooping -and yelling the Indians followed, and the race was fairly begun. -Our friends felt but little anxiety, as their horses were -comparatively fresh, and the distance to Fort Laramie so -short, but a race with Indians, even under the most auspicious -circumstances, can not fail to be exciting.</p> -<p>For a time the two parties maintained their relative positions, -and then the Indians began to gain slowly. Already -the fugitives felt comparatively safe, so near were they to -their destination, and the knowledge of this fact served to -stimulate their pursuers with renewed energy. On they flew, -their horses straining every nerve, their battle-axes and war-spears -glittering in the sun, and a deafening roar of whoops -filling the air.</p> -<p>“Thet’s lovely music,” remarked Vic, with a grin, “an’ -thar’s the akompanyment,” he added, as a shower of arrows -flew around them. “’Tain’t no use tew dodge, after they’ve -gone past,” as Scip made frantic efforts to elude the flying -arrows. “We’ll be out of danger in a few minits. See, thar’s -the fort!”</p> -<p>Amid a shower of death-winged missives the little band of -fugitives flew on, up the little rise that led to the fort, closely -followed by their pursuers, who were evidently determined to -abandon their purpose only when forced to do so. Occasionally -a bullet, from a rifle in the hands of the savages, -whizzed through the air with its peculiar whistling music, -losing itself in the space beyond.</p> -<p>Suddenly Kent, who was near Wild Nat, observed a deadly -pallor overspread the trapper’s face, and saw him reel in his -seat. With a presentiment of danger, the young man caught -the falling man and supported him, until in an instant they -were all safe within the walls of the fort.</p> -<p>Vic caught sight of him and hurried to him.</p> -<p>They laid him down carefully, Marion holding his head, -and bathing his brow with water.</p> -<p>He opened his eyes with a faint smile.</p> -<p>“It’s all over,” he said, looking up. “Vic, my boy, we’ll -<span class="pb" id="Page_81">81</span> -go trapping together no more. I’ve hunted my last buffalo. -Good-by.”</p> -<p>Vic grasped his hand and wrung it without a word, turning -away to hide his emotion.</p> -<p>The old trapper looked from one to the other.</p> -<p>“Good-by boys, I’m going! Good-by, little ’un; don’t -forgit me. Don’t cry, it’s best so. We’ll meet ag’in, I -hope.”</p> -<p>He closed his eyes with a smile, holding one of Marion’s -hands in his. The pallor deepened on his rough face, the -labored breathing grew fainter.</p> -<p>“He is asleep,” said Marion, reverently, with fast-dropping -tears. “Asleep forever in this life.”</p> -<p>Kent was kneeling beside him, holding one hand.</p> -<p>“Yes, he’s gone,” he said, in a low tone, rising to his feet. -“The bullet passed near his heart.”</p> -<p>Marion disengaged her hand from the tight clasp of the -trapper, and with earnest sorrow for the life gone so suddenly, -withdrew from the room.</p> -<p>Vic came up, brushing his rough hand across his eyes, as -if ashamed of his emotion.</p> -<p>“He is gone,” he said, with a glance at his peaceful face, -“an’ a braver man never lived.”</p> -<p>The baffled Indians had withdrawn, fearing pursuit by the -garrison.</p> -<p>Much to the surprise and pleasure of the party, they found -at the fort a party from the Willamette River Mission, on -their way to the States, with whom they might travel in company.</p> -<p>They remained at Fort Laramie over one day. Wild Nat -was buried near the fort, and a rude slab to mark the place -was erected by Kent and Vic. It was with sincere grief that -they mourned the rough but kindly friend who had been with -them through so many perils, and gave his life for their safety.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_82">82</div> -<h2 id="c12"><span class="small">CHAPTER XII.</span> -<br />CONCLUSION.</h2> -<p>Pass over two years, and come with me to a beautiful -country-place, a short distance from Cincinnati, Ohio.</p> -<p>In the midst of a lovely garden stands a fine white house, -whose shady piazza is overrun with climbing roses and scarlet -creepers. Large trees throw their cool shadows over the roof -and furnish homes for numberless birds.</p> -<p>The front door is open, and a dark-eyed woman, young and -fair, is sewing by the window. At a little distance from her -is a white-robed baby playing on the floor, to which her eyes -wander with a tender glance.</p> -<p>There is a step on the piazza; a manly form darkens the -door; a cheery voice chirps to the laughing baby, and the mother -looks up with a smile. It is our old friends, Marion -Verne, now Marion Kent, and Wayne. This beautiful -country-place is their home, and a happier family it would be -hard to find.</p> -<p>“Marion,” said Wayne, as he tossed the crowing child, -“do you know what day this is?”</p> -<p>“No—yes—it is Wednesday, the seventeenth of September, -I believe.”</p> -<p>“Yes; but do you remember that this is the second anniversary -of Wild Nat’s death?”</p> -<p>Marion looked up with a graver face.</p> -<p>“Two years have brought their changes, Wayne. I wonder -where Vic is?”</p> -<p>“Trapping beavers and fighting Indians I daresay. I wonder— Ah, -there is company.”</p> -<p>Marion turned to look from the window.</p> -<p>A man mounted on a large gray horse had ridden up to -the gate and dismounted. As he stepped from behind a -clump of lilac bushes, Mrs. Kent started up with an exclamation:</p> -<p>“Why, Wayne—it is—<i>yes</i>, it is Vic Potter!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_83">83</div> -<p>Wayne started toward the door, meeting the trapper at the -threshold.</p> -<p>“Welcome, old friend!” he said, heartily. “Welcome!”</p> -<p>There was a hearty greeting and hand-shaking all round, as -he entered.</p> -<p>“I’m powerful glad tew see ye,” he exclaimed, as he took -a seat. “I got a notion thet mebbe ye’d like tew see Vic’s -ugly pictur’ ag’in, so I jist extended my travels a little, an’ -here I be! Is this here youngster yours, Marion?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” was the smiling reply, as the trapper took the little -fellow from his father’s arms. “And what do you think -it’s name is, Vic?”</p> -<p>“Hain’t no idee,” said the trapper, reflectively. “Wayne, -mebbe, arter its father.”</p> -<p>“No,” said Marion, “we have named him Victor.”</p> -<p>The old hunter looked up with a delighted grin.</p> -<p>“Did ye now? Wal, thet’s suthin’ I didn’t expect. He’s -a fine little fellow, an’ I ’spect tew have the pleasure of l’arnin’ -him how tew trap beavers one of these days.”</p> -<p>At this moment the dining room door opened, and a shining -black face looked in. We have no difficulty in recognizing -it as belonging to Scip.</p> -<p>“Gorry mi’ty! Is dat ar’ you, Vic?” he ejaculated, as his -eyes fell on the trapper. “He! he! I wasn’t ’spectin’ to see -<i>you</i>.”</p> -<p>“Nor I you,” answered Vic, as he shook hands. “What -ye doin’ here?”</p> -<p>“Oh, Miss Marion, she keeps me about de kitchen. ’Spect -I’m good to scour knives,” answered Scip, with a broad -grin.</p> -<p>“Indeed, he is invaluable,” said Marion, as she led the way -out to dinner. “I couldn’t do without him.”</p> -<p>“You are not going back very soon, are you?” asked -Wayne, when they were seated at the table.</p> -<p>“Next week,” replied Vic. “I can’t stand it ’mong civilization -very long. I’m only to hum on the plains. It’s lonesome -tho’,” he added, in a changed tone, “’thout Nat.”</p> -<p>“Poor fellow,” said Wayne. “He at least had the privilege -of dying with friends around him, though an Indian bullet -laid him low.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_84">84</div> -<p>“He war a good fellow,” said Vic; “thar war none better -nor braver.”</p> -<p>“Nor one more kindly,” said Marion. “He was a rough -diamond but a true one. I mourned him as a friend.”</p> -<p>Thus was the trapper, whose lonely grave in the wilds of -the Far West might move the wonder of some chance passerby, -remembered.</p> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="smaller">THE END.</span></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_85">85</div> -<h2 id="c13"><span class="small"><span class="smaller">BEADLE & ADAMS’</span></span> -<br /><span class="xxlarge">New Twenty Cent Novels!</span></h2> -<hr /> -<p class="center">ALBERT W. 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For three gentlemen.</dt></dl> -<p>☞ <span class="sc">Beadle’s Dime Dialogues</span> are for sale by all newsdealers; or will be sent, post paid, to -any address, on receipt of price, <span class="sc">TEN CENTS EACH</span>, by</p> -<p class="jr1"><b>BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, -<br />98 William Street, New York</b></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_88">88</div> -<h2 id="c14"><span class="small"><span class="smallest">THE ILLUMINATED DIME</span></span> -<br /><span class="xxlarge">POCKET NOVELS!</span></h2> -<p>Comprising the best works only of the most popular living writers in the field -of American Romance. 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Comstock.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 15—The Gunmaker of the Border</b>; or, The Hunted Maiden. By James L. Bowen.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 16—Red Hand</b>; or, The Channel Scourge. By A. G. Piper.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 17—Ben, the Trapper</b>; or, The Mountain Demon. By Maj. Lewis W. Carson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 18—Wild Raven, the Ranger</b>; or, The Missing Guide. By Oll Coomes.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 19—The Specter Chief</b>; or, The Indian’s Revenge. By Seelin Robins.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 20—The B’ar-Killer</b>; or, The Long Trail. By Capt. Comstock.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 21—Wild Nat</b>; or, The Cedar Swamp Brigade. By Wm. R. Eyster.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 22—Indian Jo, the Guide.</b> By Lewis W. Carson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 23—Old Kent, the Ranger.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 24—The One-Eyed Trapper.</b> By Capt. Comstock.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 25—Godbold, the Spy.</b> A Tale of Arnold’s Treason. By N. C. Iron.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 26—The Black Ship.</b> By John S. Warner.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 27—Single Eye, the Scourge.</b> By Warren St. John.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 28—Indian Jim.</b> A Tale of the Minnesota Massacre. By Edward S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 29—The Scout.</b> By Warren St. John.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 30.—Eagle Eye.</b> By W. J. Hamilton.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 31—The Mystic Canoe.</b> A Romance of a Hundred Years Ago. By Edward S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 32—The Golden Harpoon</b>; or, Lost Among the Floes. By Roger Starbuck.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 33—The Scalp King</b>; or, The Squaw Wife of the White Avenger. By Lieut. Ned Hunter.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 34—Old Lute, the Indian-fighter</b>; or, The Den in the Hills. By Edward W. Archer.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 35—Rainbolt, the Ranger</b>; or, The Ærial Demon of the Mountain. By Oll Coomes.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 36—The Boy Pioneer.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 37—Carson, the Guide</b>; or, the Perils of the Frontier. By Lieut. J. H. Randolph.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 38—The Heart Eater</b>; or, The Prophet of the Hollow Hill. By Harry Hazard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 39—Wetzel, the Scout</b>; or, The Captive of the Wilderness. By Boynton Belknap, M. D.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 40—The Huge Hunter</b>; or, The Steam Man of the Prairies. By Edward S. Ellis. Ready</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 41—Wild Nat, the Trapper.</b> By Paul Prescott. Ready</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 42—Lynx-cap</b>; or, The Sioux Track. By Paul Bibbs. Ready Feb. 1st.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>No. 43—The White Outlaw</b>; or, The Bandit Brigand. By Harry Hazard. Feb. 15th.</p> -</div> -<p>☞ <span class="sc">Beadle’s Dime Pocket Novels</span> are for sale by all newsdealers; or will be sent, post-paid, to any -address, on receipt of price, <span class="sc">TEN CENTS EACH</span>, by</p> -<p class="jr1"><b>BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, -<br />98 William Street, New York</b></p> -<h2 id="trnotes">Transcriber’s Notes</h2> -<ul> -<li>Silently corrected a few typos.</li> -<li>Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook is public-domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by _underscores_.</li> -<li>Created a Table of Contents based on the chapter headings.</li> -</ul> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NAT, THE TRAPPER AND INDIAN-FIGHTER ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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